Discover How the SOV 7017 from Damen Shipyards Group is Changing the Navigation Landscape with Its Uninterrupted Charging System in Open Sea
According to Olhar Digital, the seas are about to witness a revolution in the shipbuilding industry with the launch of the SOV 7017, the largest electric vessel powered by wind turbines offshore. At 70 meters long, 17 meters wide, with 60 cabins for the crew and 40 for technicians, this electric vessel promises an unparalleled experience in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability.
Uninterrupted Charging in Open Sea
Discover the innovative technology that allows the SOV 7017 to recharge its batteries without needing to dock, using wind turbines offshore.
The big innovation of the SOV 7017 is the ability to recharge in open sea, eliminating the need for stops on land. During the Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference 2023 in Amsterdam, Damen Shipyards Group revealed this revolutionary electric vessel, which can be charged using offshore wind turbines installed in open seas. Imagine a fueling station offshore, replacing traditional gas pumps with wind turbines. This is the futuristic vision of uninterrupted charging for the SOV 7017.
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Efficiency and Sustainability in Action
Learn how the SOV 7017 contributes to operational efficiency, cost reduction, and emissions, keeping safety and practicality at the core of its operation.
The SOV 7017 has been designed to seamlessly integrate with the pre-existing structures of offshore wind farms. Equipped with 4 MW connectors and a motion compensation system developed in collaboration with the British company MJR Power & Automation, the electric vessel connects to wind turbines to recharge its lithium iron phosphate batteries. Paul Cairns, managing director of MJR, highlights that this charging approach not only offers savings but also ensures the safety of personnel and infrastructure.

By recovering the energy from a single turbine, the SOV 7017 can recharge its batteries in a few hours, thanks to the two onboard charging systems. The first, with a capacity of 15 MWh, is intended for fully electric navigation, while the second, with 10 MWh, caters to operations where 75% of the time is spent with electric propulsion. To ensure reliability in emergency situations, the electric vessel is also equipped with a diesel engine.
In a world constantly seeking sustainable solutions, the SOV 7017 from Damen Shipyards Group stands out as a brilliant example of innovation, efficiency, and environmental commitment. This electric vessel is not just a promise for the future of navigation, but a reality already sailing the seas, driving the offshore industry towards a greener and sustainable.

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