Gothenburg port vessel: Conversion vs replacement

M/S Hamnen has been in service around the clock as an inspection vessel at the Port of Gothenburg since 1979, and it’s expected to remain in the port’s service for many years to come.

“The vessel is in really good condition and there’s no other vessel that’s better suited to its assignment. By converting it rather than replacing it, we further reduce emissions, as the vessel will then not be taken into use by a new owner,” said David Falk, skipper of M/S Hamnen.

Lower emissions

At present, M/S Hamnen is in operation for around 1,200 hours a year, consuming approximately 25,000 litres of diesel. This represents 67 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, which is 15% of the Gothenburg Port Authority’s total emissions.

Replacing M/S Hamnen completely was considered but deemed unnecessary. Instead it will be retrofitted.

The engine room will be undergoing a total transformation, as M/S Hamnen’s existing diesel engine will be replaced by a totally new electric engine with an output of 250 kW. A four to five tonne bank of batteries with 520 kWh will also be installed and these can be supplemented by additional battery capacity in the future if required.

“In exceptional cases, special call-outs, unforeseen events or extreme weather conditions may require additional range, so we’re also installing an auxiliary diesel engine that runs on HVO,” said Mr Falk.

“The vessel’s task is to be available in all contexts 24/7, so we need that flexibility. But the goal is to run on battery power for 90% of the time.”

M/S Hamnen’s regular berth position in the Port of Gothenburg will be fitted with a 63 amp charger, which is sufficient for charging between regular assignments.

The vessel will be taken to the Ö-varvet shipyard on the island of Öckerö in the Gothenburg archipelago during the spring and will return to service in the autumn. While the vessel is laid up, David Falk and the rest of the crew will be using a smaller replacement boat to perform their inspection assignment.

For the Gothenburg Port Authority, the electrification of M/S Hamnen is more than another step in the quest to achieve the port’s climate goal of a 70% reduction in port-related emissions from Vinga and over the whole Gothenburg area on the land side by 2030.