Brazil’s First Hybrid Platform Supply Vessel, Starnav Elektra, Delivered to ABS Class

Summary

Starnav Elektra, the first hybrid platform supply vessel (PSV) designed and built in Brazil, has been delivered to ABS class. Built by Detroit Brasil for Starnav Serviços Marítimos, the 92.1-metre vessel has a deadweight capacity of 5,500 tonnes and a 1,322 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery system designed to meet dynamic positioning class 2 (DP2) requirements. The vessel will support Petrobras’ offshore logistics operations under a long-term charter and is the first in a planned series of up to 10 battery-hybrid vessels.

Article

Brazil has taken delivery of its first domestically designed and built hybrid platform supply vessel (PSV), Starnav Elektra, which has entered ABS class ahead of its deployment in support of Petrobras’ offshore operations.

Built by Detroit Brasil at its Itajaí shipyard for Starnav Serviços Marítimos, the 92.1-metre vessel has a deadweight capacity of 5,500 tonnes. It is the first vessel in a planned series of up to 10 battery-hybrid vessels comprising six platform supply vessels and four oil spill response vessels.

Starnav Elektra carries the ABS ESS-LiBATTERY and HYBRID notations, along with the SUSTAIN-1 notation. Under a long-term charter to Petrobras, the vessel will support offshore logistics activities in Brazilian waters.

The vessel is equipped with a 1,322 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery system developed to meet the operator’s dynamic positioning class 2 (DP2) requirements. The system is designed to enable the vessel to maintain its position on battery power for up to 20 minutes following a single engine failure.

The battery pack is installed on the main deck rather than within the hull, a configuration intended to improve maintenance access and reduce risk. The hybrid system will also allow the vessel to operate with fewer generators while maintaining safety margins, with the potential to reduce fuel consumption, emissions and engine maintenance requirements.

Matt Tremblay, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Markets, said: “Brazil’s offshore energy sector is expanding quickly, and the vessels that support it need to keep pace with evolving operational demands and regulatory requirements. Starnav Elektra shows what’s possible when an operator, shipyard and class work together to translate technical innovation into operation performance.”

Starnav CEO Carlos Eduardo Pereira said: “Starnav Elektra also represents a technological milestone. We are delivering a vessel built for the next generation of global shipping. She is a hybrid vessel, equipped with an advanced BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) and ready to operate on renewable fuels such as HVO. This vessel was designed not only to meet today’s requirements, but to meet the requirements of the future.”

The vessel’s hybrid configuration and readiness to operate on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) reflect the operator’s approach to adapting offshore support tonnage to evolving operational and environmental requirements.

The delivery adds a battery-hybrid vessel to Brazil’s offshore support fleet as offshore energy activity continues to drive demand for specialised logistics vessels.

FAQs

1. What is Starnav Elektra?

Starnav Elektra is the first hybrid platform supply vessel designed and built in Brazil. It was built by Detroit Brasil for Starnav Serviços Marítimos and delivered to ABS class.

2. What are the specifications of Starnav Elektra?

The vessel measures 92.1 metres in length, has a deadweight capacity of 5,500 tonnes and is equipped with a 1,322 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery system.

3. What is the role of Starnav Elektra in Petrobras’ operations?

The vessel will operate under a long-term charter to Petrobras, supporting offshore logistics operations in Brazilian waters.

4. How does the vessel’s hybrid propulsion system support safety and efficiency?

Its battery system is designed to maintain dynamic positioning for up to 20 minutes following a single engine failure. It also enables operation with fewer generators, potentially reducing fuel consumption, emissions and engine maintenance cycles.

5. What ABS class notations does Starnav Elektra carry?

The vessel carries the ABS ESS-LiBATTERY and HYBRID notations, as well as the SUSTAIN-1 notation.

6. Is Starnav Elektra ready to use renewable fuels?

According to Starnav CEO Carlos Eduardo Pereira, the vessel is ready to operate on renewable fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

7. How many hybrid vessels are planned in the series?

Starnav Elektra is the first in a planned series of up to 10 battery-hybrid vessels, including six platform supply vessels and four oil spill response vessels.