Hybrid PSV Starnav Elektra Is a First for Brazil's Offshore Vessel Industry

A naming ceremony has taken place for the platform supply vessel Starnav Elektra, a vessel important to the Brazilian offshore sector in several respects. Built at Detroit Shipyard in Itajaí, it is the first vessel delivered under Petrobras' Mar Aberto Programme and the first of its type built in Brazil with a battery power pack. The 92.1-metre vessel brings hybrid propulsion to the Brazilian market for the first time, marking a milestone for the country's offshore support shipping industry.

 

Details of the Vessel

 

A significant new vessel has been named. It is the platform supply vessel Starnav Elektra. It was built at Detroit Shipyard in Itajaí. It holds importance in several respects. It marks a milestone for the Brazilian sector.

The vessel achieves two notable firsts. It is the first under a Petrobras programme. This is the Mar Aberto Programme. It is also the first of its type in Brazil. It features a battery power pack.

 

The Petrobras Programme

 

The vessel supports a fleet renewal effort. This is the Mar Aberto Programme. Its aim is to revitalise the fleet. This is the state oil company's fleet. The vessel is the first delivery.

Petrobras emphasised its commitment. Its leadership cited fleet renewal. This ensures continuity for the industry. It plans significant fleet growth. It aims for 96 vessels by next year.

 

The Hybrid Innovation

 

The vessel pioneers hybrid propulsion in Brazil. It is the first built there with such a system. This includes a hybrid power generation arrangement. It aligns with energy transition targets. It also allows alternative fuels such as HVO.

Company leadership noted a key nuance. Battery benefits depend on the energy source. Brazil's electricity mix is largely renewable. This draws close to 90 percent from renewables. This enhances the environmental benefit.

 

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The Vessel Specifications

 

The vessel has substantial specifications. It is a 5,500-deadweight-tonne PSV. It measures 92.1 metres in length. It is built to ABS class. It is a DP2-class vessel.

The vessel carries notable notations. These include battery and hybrid notations. It also has a sustainability notation. This demonstrates adherence to sustainability goals. It covers pollution, emissions and recycling.

 

The Battery System

 

The vessel features an advanced battery system. It has a 1,322 kWh battery pack. This was supplied by WEG. Its design was defined with Petrobras. It provides several operational benefits.

The battery offers efficiency gains. It provides peak shaving capability. This keeps engines in their optimal range. It also acts as a spinning reserve. This reduces fuel consumption and emissions.

 

Significance and Outlook

 

The vessel marks a broader programme. Company leadership called it the beginning. It is the first of 10 vessels. This represents around 700 million dollars. This reflects a major investment.

The programme depends on predictability. Leadership stressed the role of charters. Long-term Petrobras agreements provide certainty. This enables private investment. Development bank support also plays a role.