Siemens to Install Emission Reduction Technologies on NOAA Research Ships

Shipbuilding company Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors has awarded Siemens Energy a contract to help reduce emissions on two new government ships. Siemens Energy will provide power, propulsion, control systems and battery storage technology for the Oceanographer and Discoverer vessels being acquired by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Siemens Energy said Monday.

NOAA intends to use the vessels for general oceanographic research and exploration, climate and ocean ecosystem studies, worldwide ocean survey and data collection and other missions.

Siemens said it will install its SiSHIP Blue Drive PlusC diesel-electric propulsion system and lithium-ion battery energy storage solution on both ships.

The company said that SiSHIP Blue Drive PlusC has been installed on more than 80 maritime vessels worldwide.

The combination of technologies will help NOAA save fuel, reduce emissions and reduce maintenance associated with engines, Siemens added.

Siemens said that its solution will save 15,000 gallons of fuel per year for each vessel, resulting in a reduction of about 5,700 tons of carbon dioxide.

Thoma-Sea is currently constructing Oceanographer and Discoverer under the terms of a $178.1 million contract that the Navy awarded in December 2020 on behalf of NOAA.

Both ships are being built to industry standards and will incorporate modern technologies, including new information technology tools and underwater scientific research and survey equipment.

Oceanographer and Discoverer are scheduled to enter operation in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Each is expected to host a crew of 20 and accommodate up to 28 scientists, Siemens Energy said.