North Star to power vessels using offshore wind

As one of the companies committed to absolute zero emissions, OSV operator North Star Shipping has made one more step towards making that a reality with a new partnership with Maersk’s offshore charging solution provider, Stillstrom.

The two signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the adoption of offshore charging and vessel electrification technologies for service operation vessels (SOVs) in the offshore wind sector.

Under the terms of the MoU, Stillstrom will demonstrate how its charging solutions can benefit the operations of North Star’s growing SOV fleet by recharging its battery systems using wind energy while in the field.

As a result, the two companies will promote hybrid and full-electric vessels and charging solutions to offshore wind developers, enabling decarbonized operations and improved efficiency.

On the other hand, North Star will provide valuable insights into the vessel integration operations with the charging units which will, in turn, support the offshore industry’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable operations.

Just recently, North Star was one of three shipowning companies that accepted to take up the absolute zero emissions challenge posed by the Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTA) – a global industry body representing technologies and fuel providers who are already committed to absolute zero.

Apart from North Star, the absolute zero challenge was also taken up by the Hong Kong-based tanker and bulker firm Wah Kwong and a Bahamas-headquartered containerline Veer Voyage.

Unlike absolute zero emissions, net zero or carbon neutral implies some carbon/GHG emissions remain but allows for some form of offsetting through carbon dioxide removal or negative emissions such as carbon capture and storage.