Daily Archives: April 2, 2021

The hydrogen hub would use power from an offshore wind field (Orsted)

By The Maritime Executive 03-31-2021 03:31:58

Orsted, the Danish energy company that has been aggressively pursuing offshore energy, announced new plans for one of the worlds largest renewable hydrogen plants. Know as SeaH2Land, the massive project envisions linking offshore wind power to create a hydrogen hub for the industrial cluster centered around the Dutch-Flemish North Sea Port.

The North Sea Port cluster is according to Orsted one of the largest production and demand centers of fossil hydrogen in Europe currently using 580,000 tons per year. Driven by decarbonization efforts, industrial demand in the cluster could grow to about one million tons by 2050, equivalent to roughly 10 GW of electrolysis. In addition to the broad industrial applications for hydrogen in the region, the North Sea Port, one of Europes largest shipping gateways, has the potential to become a large user of hydrogen as the marine fuel applications are developed.

The SeaH2Land project includes a renewable hydrogen production facility of 1 GW to be developed by Orsted by 2030. If realized, the electrolyzer, which would produce the renewable hydrogen, would have the potential to convert about 20 percent of the current hydrogen consumption in the region to renewable hydrogen.

Orsted proposes to connect the GW electrolyzer directly to a new 2 GW offshore wind farm in the North Sea. This will enable the large-scale supply of renewable electricity required for the production of renewable hydrogen and correlates with Dutch proposals to accelerate the roll-out of offshore wind projects to meet increasing electricity demand. The offshore wind farm could be built in one of the zones in the southern part of the Dutch exclusive economic zone that has already been designated for offshore wind development.

"The Dutch-Flemish North Sea Port covers one of the largest hydrogen clusters in Europe. As the world looks to decarbonize, it's paramount that we act now to secure the long-term competitiveness of European industry in a green economy, said Martin Neubert, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy Group CEO, Orsted. The SeaH2Land project outlines a clear vision and roadmap for large-scale renewable hydrogen linked to new offshore wind capacity. With the right framework in place, the Netherlands and Belgium can leverage the nearly unlimited power of offshore wind to significantly advance renewable hydrogen as a true European industrial success story."

Map of the proposed regiional hydrogen network (Orsted)

To achieve the regional hydrogen hub, the SeaH2Land project also proposed to link the electrolyzer to a regional pipeline system connecting large-scale consumption and production in the cluster. Yara, in consortium with Orsted, and Zeeland Refinery have each announced plans for mid-size renewable hydrogen production at their sites, while Dow has been exporting hydrogen to Yara since 2018 through the world's first conversion of a gas pipeline into hydrogen. The pipeline network could also be extended further south to ArcelorMittal and further north, underneath the river Scheldt, to Zeeland Refinery. The cluster strategy also proposes to extend the 380 kV high-voltage network for the electrification needs of the industry south of the river Scheldt.

Through the development of this network of links between the industrial locations with the electrolysis and offshore wind, landing it would be possible to create a true energy hub spanning both sides of the river and one of Europes largest industrial zones. They believe that this would create a unique regional ecosystem of hydrogen exchange with significant carbon reduction in the manufacturing processes of ammonia, chemicals, and steel and a significant contribution to the European Green Deal.

The major industrial companies in the region ArcelorMittal, Yara, Dow Benelux, and Zeeland Refinery, support the development of the required regional infrastructure. The partnership will now move forward and engage in dialogue with the regulatory authorities on the framework and policies needed to support the development of renewable hydrogen linked to large-scale offshore wind, the regional infrastructure, and conduct a full feasibility study of the project.

See the original post:

Orsted Proposes Hydrogen Hub Combining Offshore Wind at North Sea Port - The Maritime Executive

Integrating mWave wave power technology with floating wind turbines is expected to result in shared cost reduction benefits of electrical infrastructure including export cable and grid as well as the platform.

(Courtesy Bobmora and TechnipFMC)

Offshore staff

LONDON, PARIS, and HOUSTON TechnipFMC and Bombora have formed a strategic partnership to develop a floating wind and wave power project.

The relationship brings together TechnipFMCs technologies and experience delivering integrated engineering, procurement, construction, and installation projects offshore with Bomboras patented multi-megawatt mWave technology that converts wave energy into electricity.

The partnership will initially focus on the InSPIRE (Integrated Semisubmersible Platform with Innovative Renewable Energy) project. With engineering work initiated in November 2020, the partnership is developing a hybrid system using Bomboras mWave technology. The hybrid system demonstrator will deliver 6 MW (2 MW wave and 4 MW of wind power), followed by Series 1 and Series 2 commercial platforms which are expected to deliver 12 and 18 MW, respectively.

According to Bombora, mWave features a series of air-filled rubber membrane covered concave cell modules positioned below the oceans surface transforming the submerged platform structure into productive real-estate, capturing maximum energy.

As waves pass over mWave, under-water pressure increases, causing each rubber membrane to compress sequentially, forcing air from inside the cells into a duct. Valves control a one-way air flow to the turbine directly spinning a generator converting this rotation into electricity. After passing through the turbine the air is recycled to re-inflate each membrane in a continuous sequence. The power generated by the system is transferred to the electrical grid via the same subsea cable used for the wind turbine.

The membranes can be fully deflated creating a sleep mode protecting mWave from storm damage, the company said.

04/01/2021

Read the original:

Partnership to develop integrated floating offshore wind, wave platform - Offshore Oil and Gas Magazine

Maine Marine Patrol officials and local fishermen have made headway over the last week in clearing fishing gear from a 23-mile long path being surveyed for an offshore wind development project, state marine officials say.

The monthlong survey for the New England Aqua Ventus project began earlier this month, but the presence of fishing gear on the path was making it difficult for the vessel conducting a survey of the seafloor to do its work, according to a project spokesperson and Maine Department of Marine Resources officials.

Fishermen were asked to move their gear in advance of the survey, but given the contentious issue of wind development of the Gulf of Maine, some fishermen felt they shouldnt have to move their traps for a project that they feel threatens their livelihood.

Last week, the Maine Department of Marine Resources sent a notice to fishermen with gear still in the survey route asking that they voluntarily move their traps or else Marine Patrol officers would move the gear for them. The notice was sent after Marine Patrol identified about 240 lobster traps still within the survey route.

In the past week, Maine Marine Patrol officials have moved about 100 lobster traps from the path, according to Maine Department of Marine Resources spokesperson Jeff Nichols.

Fishermen themselves have also made a concerted effort to move gear out of the route but weather has made that challenging, he said.

The gear removal has resulted in a significant portion of the survey route being cleared, New England Aqua Ventus spokesperson Dave Wilby said.

While the survey was supposed to be wrapping up in early April, Wilby said an exact timeline for the rest of the survey is not yet known given the weather and gear-related delays the vessels have encountered.

See the original post:

Fishing gear removed from path of offshore wind project survey - Bangor Daily News

TechnipFMC and wave energy technology specialist, Bombora, have formed a strategic partnership to develop a floating wave and wind power project.

The partnership will initially focus on TechnipFMC and Bomboras InSPIRE project.

With engineering work initiated in November 2020, the partnership is developing a hybrid system utilizing Bomboras mWave technology.

The hybrid system demonstrator will deliver 6 MW of combined floating wind and wave power, followed by Series 1 and Series 2 commercial platforms which are expected to deliver 12 and 18 MW, respectively.

Jonathan Landes, President Subsea at TechnipFMC, said: Our core competencies and integration capabilities make us an ideal system architect and partner in developing renewable energy solutions alongside Bomboras experience and unique, patented mWave technology. We are delighted to work on a project that advances our commitment to the environment while contributing toward a more sustainable future.

The relationship is said to bring together TechnipFMCs technologies and experience delivering complex integrated Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation projects offshore with Bomboras patented multi-megawatt mWave technology that converts wave energy into electricity.

Bombora is collaborating with TechnipFMC to accelerate development of our floating integrated mWaveTM platform solutions for commercial wind farms. With TechnipFMCs extensive track record of delivering large-scale projects to the energy sector and Bomboras innovative mWaveTM technology, we are confident InSPIRE will play a key role in the offshore energy sector, Sam Leighton, Bomboras Managing Director, said.

See the original post here:

TechnipFMC and Bombora Launch Floating Wave and Wind Project - Offshore WIND

From the size and scale of the oceans to the power and speed of the creatures that reside within them, a trip offshore can transform your perspective in ways that have little to do with fishing.

Many dynamics of offshore fishing can be described only in relation to other bluewater experiences. For instance, no matter how many 12-pound largemouth bass youve caught, it doesnt compare to fighting a 500-pound blue marlin or a 150-pound yellowfin tuna.

Read on for an introduction to offshore fishing (and why we think everyone should try it). You dont need to go to a certain location or catch a specific kind of fish. The ocean is an all-encompassing place with endless experiences to pursue.

These days, we live in a largely on-demand society. Were so accustomed to getting what we want immediately that we sometimes forget our planet is more powerful than us (something people living 200 years ago certainly understood).

Time on the ocean provides a great dose of perspective. When youre offshore and all you can see is water in every direction as far as the eye can see you remember that forces beyond our control exist.

Without getting into the metaphysical, this type of perspective can be valuable against the contrast of busy days, working life, and land-divined obligations.

Want to go fishing in Florida? Here are our tried-and-true picks for expert fishing guides that cover a wide variety of species and experiences. Read more

One of the most fundamental differences between freshwater and saltwater fishing is the size of what you might catch. If you put a minnow under a bobber in a lake, you might have a realistic shot at catching three to five species. The maximum size of the fish that you might encounter tops out at 10 or 12 pounds in most cases.

If you drop down a bait offshore, however, you never know what you might get. Not only is the variety of targets far greater, but the size of your quarry can range from half a pound to several hundred. With apologies to the walleye and the crappie, ocean fish can even change your perspective on what constitutes a good meal.

This is no exaggeration. Part of the charm of offshore fishing is the stories of the giant mystery creature that you hooked and couldnt stop. Some of these unseen beasts take all of your line before popping you off. Some are rumored to be submarines.

Not only that, but you can catch really big fish in most places you might snag 8-, 10-, or even 12-foot sharks in the surf. Giant grouper can live surprisingly close to shore, sometimes even under docks. When youre offshore and deploying bait into an environment unseen by human eyes, you have literally no idea what might happen.

You might hook the very fish youre after, only to have it eaten by a shark, grouper, or barracuda. Theres no telling what might swim next to the boat.

Any day offshore might produce a sight youll never forget it doesnt always happen, but you certainly cant guarantee it wont.

Awe infrequently visits most people. But it lives offshore.

Witnessing the size, speed, and power of offshore gamefish inspires awe even in the most seasoned of captains. On land, things that weigh 500 pounds dont fly. Bull elk or moose cant do what a blue marlin can.

Witnessing a giant animal throw itself completely out of the water sometimes traveling 20 or more feet from where it exits to re-entry is an awe-inspiring scene. This feeling is not limited to only the biggest and most glamorous of the oceans gamefish, however.

The interesting thing about the process of becoming an experienced offshore fisher is that its an evolution. The first time you fish offshore could very well change your perspective on what a big fish is.

Maybe your first big fish is a 25-pound jack or 50-pound kingfish. Your next catch might be a 75-pound yellowfin tuna. After that, you might hang into a 200-pound bull shark. Each of these experiences then reframes your point of reference and influences the trajectory of what you might like to do next.

One of the best things about offshore fishing is its availability and wide variety the world over. Oceans cover more than two-thirds of the Earths surface. These days, most any coastal tourist destination offers some form of offshore fishing experience.

A particularly great option for a first trip is to buy a ticket on a party boat (theyre known as head boats in some places). These boats sell reasonably priced tickets for a day of fishing offshore. The benefit of this approach is that you can buy a ticket or two at maybe $80 each without having to rent the entire boat.

These boats usually target schooling fish that are easy to catch and provide all of the tackle, bait, and gear you need. My first time fishing offshore was on a party boat in Port Aransas, Texas, when I was 12. You can catch surprisingly big fish aboard these boats and get to see if fishing offshore is something youd like to do more.

Once you decide the answer is yes, you can incorporate fishing into family vacations and travel plans. This is a great way to see the world, experience new cultures, and catch ever larger, more exciting fish.

Read more from the original source:

The Offshore Fishing Experience: Why You Should Try It - GearJunkie

(Courtesy Siemens Gamesa)

Offshore staff

ZAMUDIO, Spain RWE has contracted Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy(SGRE) to provide 100 turbines for the 1.4-GW Sofia offshore wind power project.

Located195km (121 mi) off theUKs northeast coast on Dogger Bank in the North Sea,Sofia will be the first project to install the companys flagship 14 MW Direct Drive offshore wind turbine (SG 14-222 DD).

According to SGRE, the turbines will feature the worlds largest single-cast turbine blade at 108 m (354 ft) long.Recently produced, the first three B108 blades will be installed on the SG 14-222 DD prototype in sterild, Denmark, later in calendar year 2021.

Offshore construction works for the Sofia project are expected to start in 2023. Turbine installation is set to begin in 2025.

The firm order is accompanied by a contract to undertake the service and maintenance of the 100 turbines.

03/31/2021

See the original post here:

Siemens Gamesa to provide wind turbines for Sofia offshore the UK - Offshore Oil and Gas Magazine

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued its latest ruling on the Jones Acts role in the development of offshore wind projects off the nations coasts. The latest ruling now builds on earlier rulings that are now stacking up to have big implications for American mariners and ships.

The Jones Actrequires that goods shipped between U.S. ports are transported on ships that are built, owned, and operated by United States citizens or permanent residents.

As we have been following, CBP on January 27, 2021 for first time issued a ruling that expressly found that the Jones Act applies to the transportation of merchandise from a U.S. port to a location on the U.S. outer continental shelf for the purpose of the development and production of wind energy.

The ruling was the first following an amendment to the previously passed National Defense Authorization Act for 2021, which included a key provision affirming that the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), and its application of the Jones Act in offshore energy activities, applies to offshore wind and other renewable energy in addition to oil and gas.

A second ruling just a few days later again addressed the issue, providing significant guidance on the use of foreign-flag vessels in connection with offshore wind activities, including important guidance on what is treated as vessel equipment.

Now, in third ruling on March 25, 2021, CBP actually significantly modified its first ruling, particularly as it relates to the use U.S. coastwise qualified and non-U.S. coastwise qualified vessels (i.e. American or foreign ships and crews) for purposes of scour protection, which involves transporting and depositing materials on the seabed in order to protect turbine foundations.

The rulings essentially provide clarity and guidance on specific issues. Law firm Holland & Knight discusses the implications of the latest ruling in an emailed alert.

First, the three rulings taken together indicate CBPs willingness to reach back to a substantial body of prior interpretative principles largely developed in connection with oil and gas activities, the the Holland & Knight article said. It has been unclear how CBP would apply some of those principles moving forward and these rulings provide some guidance in that regard.

Second, CBPs Jan. 27 and March 25 rulings indicate that despite looking to existing analogous principles, CBP is willing to set new precedent for offshore wind activities.

For example, although the CBPs more recent ruling revoked part of its initial January 27 ruling, in doing so it offered a new and rather broad interpretation of what will now constitute a coastwise point, according to Holland & Knight.

Finally, the fact that CBP is actively issuing rulings in the space is in and of itself an important, if not critical, trend, the article said.

This is all extremely significant considering the Biden Administration has just revealed a plan to expand the nations offshore wind capacity to 30 gigawatts by 2030, marking a major expansion from the nations current capacity.

Anything close to the level of activity needed to achieve such goals will require virtually every permutation of available U.S. coastwise qualified vesselsandpermissible foreign-flag vessels, according to Holland and Knight. CBPs active participation in the industry is a necessary and welcome trend.

We reached out to Holland & Knight for some clarity on the foreign-flag vessel part:

The Jones Act of course does not prohibit all vessel related activities on the OCS, as the rulings also reflect, explained Gerald Morrissey, lead author of the article. The point was there are permissible activities that non-Jones Act vessels can undertake on the OCS, and given the tremendous scope of the anticipated offshore wind industry and ambitious timeframes on top of that, it is highly likely that the projects will need vessels from all permissible sources.

In an interview on Wednesday, a senior official within the Biden Administration said the administration is aiming to transform the United States into the worlds leading offshore wind energy producer, an area that it has lagged for years.

The distinction now is that we have a president and an administration that is really harnessing this opportunity to fight climate change and to create good paying union jobs, said Amanda Lefton, director of the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. We will soon be leading in this industry.

We have an industry in the United States that knows how to do energy development in the Outer Continental Shelf, she added.

Originally posted here:

Latest Customs and Border Protection Ruling Has Big Implications for the Jones Act's Role in Offshore Wind gCaptain - gcaptain.com