WORLD’S FIRST OFFSHORE CHARGING STATION COMPLETES SEA TRIALS

Oasis Marine Power Ltd has completed the first stage of testing their offshore charging station, hailing the design a success.  This product was the first design under development and is the first of its kind globally to reach sea trials. It offers to revolutionise renewable energy use for the maritime industry.

Sea trials were held in the Port of Cromarty Firth, Scotland this past January in the first of a series of tests.

The Oasis Power Buoy is an offshore mooring and charging station with a zero-emission power source fed from wind turbines. Initially aimed at Wind Farm Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) the Oasis Power Buoy provides the critical need for offshore charging of hybrid and all-electric vessels.

Current diesel-powered maintenance vessels are responsible for the majority of C02 emissions from an operational wind farm.  The Oasis Power Buoy makes zero-emission vessels viable for the industry, facilitating major carbon and cost reductions.

The Oasis Power Buoy will now be undergoing further testing and optimisation, including sustained sea trials.

Oasis Marine Power Ltd is a subsidiary of Jebb Smith Ltd who was awarded a grant in 2020 through MarRI-UK Technology and Innovation in UK Maritime Call, funded by the Department of Transport, to develop the Oasis Power Buoy.

George Smith, Director, Oasis Marine Power said “I am delighted with the results of the testing.  We have proven that the concept is viable and are now working to optimise the design.  What we have achieved is a world first, and this is a great progression towards dramatically reducing the carbon footprint of the maritime industry.”

He added: “I’d like to give thanks to Cromarty Firth Port Authority and PSG Marine & Logistics Ltd for their valued assistance with these trials.”