Atlantic Towing Limited have recorded an 11% fuel reduction with the successful retrofit of the Atlantic Shrike
Atlantic Towing Limited have reached a milestone in its decarbonisation journey with the successful retrofit of the Atlantic Shrike
Using Vard Electro's SeaQ Energy Storage System (ESS), the Platform Supply Vessel recorded an 11% fuel reduction across all operations, resulting in CO2 savings.
The maritime industry is under increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance its fuel efficiency; therefore, vessel owners are seeking solutions to modernise their fleets.
In 2021, Atlantic Towing Limited, a subsidiary of J.D. Irving Limited, began upgrading its diesel-electric Platform Supply Vessel (PSV), Atlantic Shrike, hoping to meet environmental requirements without compromising operations.
Through a collaboration with Vard Electro, a subsidiary of the Fincantieri-owned Vard Group, Atlantic Towing implemented a comprehensive battery retrofit onboard their PSV, which complied with evolving emissions regulations and resulted in improvements in fuel savings and operational efficiency.
Atlantic Shrike, which operates on the Grand Banks, is a diesel-electric PSV, built in 2017, measuring 85.6m in length with a beam of 22m, and a dead weight capacity of 4,200 metric tonnes.
Enhanced efficiency
The Atlantic Shrike operates in demanding conditions and requires a retrofit solution to cope with extreme conditions and enhance energy efficiency. The aim was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption, improve onboard conditions and avoid disrupting vessel availability.
Battery systems offer advantages during low-load operations, as they can supply transient loads, reduce the need for multiple generators, and provide an immediate power response, resulting in improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced crew comfort.
The SeaQ ESS
Vard Electro delivered a retrofit package of the SeaQ ESS, designed to integrate with the vessel's existing power and automation systems. Vard Electro was both the equipment supplier and system integrator, allowing them to ensure the battery system was fully aligned with the vessel's propulsion and control architecture.
The installation was carried out in close collaboration with the customer and aligned with Atlantic Shrike's scheduled docking periods to minimise any operational impact.
To ensure long-term results were possible, SeaQ training was provided to the crew so they could operate the system for maximum battery efficiency and system longevity.
Francisco Lima, VP Retrofit and Service in Vard Elctro, said, “This project demonstrates how we, as a system integrator, bring together technical insight and operational understanding to create tailored retrofit solutions. By designing a SeaQ ESS setup that matched Atlantic Shrike’s operational profile, we ensured real-world impact. Open and continuous communication with the customer was a key success factor from start to finish.”
Performance results
After the SeaQ ESS was installed, Atlantic Shrike reported:
- 11% fuel reduction across all operations
- A reduction of 362 tonnes of CO₂ in 2024
- Minimised engine noise for crew comfort
- Lower engine running hours resulted in extended maintenance intervals and improved working conditions in the engine room
Dan Vyselaar, director of Engineering and Asset Management in Atlantic Towing, said, “The competence and collaboration shown by the Vard Electro team was impressive. They understood our operational needs and delivered a solution that works, both technically and commercially.”
