Stillstrom by Maersk has completed a trial of its automated offshore vessel charging system, aimed at reducing the need for manual cable handling when vessels operate on dynamic positioning in offshore wind farms. The trial of the Stillstrom Offshore eCharger, witnessed by DNV as part of its technology qualification process, tested the system's ability to manage the charging cable automatically from connection through to the vessel returning to position.
The test was carried out with Esvagt and Semco Maritime at Semco Maritime's yard in Esbjerg, Denmark. During the trial, the charging connector was deployed from a height of 15.5 metres, with a tower-mounted reel holding 125 metres of cable. The system automatically paid out and retrieved the cable as the vessel moved, maintaining a consistent cable profile.
The trial assessed automated cable control, real-time kinematic global positioning system positioning, synchronised operation of the cable reel and vessel winch, the monitoring and logging interface, and system behaviour under yard conditions.
