VESSEL REVIEW | Furui 688 – Chinese-built hybrid supply vessel with intelligent monitoring features

China’s Daishan Haizhou Shipyard has completed construction of a platform supply vessel (PSV) fitted with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system.

Furui 688 has a steel hull, a length of 35 metres, a beam of eight metres, a draught of 2.1 metres, a gross tonnage of 295, and capacity for 90 tonnes of cargo and 11 passengers. The cargo can include food provisions, spare parts, lubricants, and even dangerous goods.

The hybrid propulsion system delivers a speed of 11 knots and a range of more than 800 nautical miles. The system includes a main diesel engine, a generator, and batteries with shore charging capability. The batteries can provide the necessary propulsive power as well as supply the hotel load at berth if the vessel will need to operate in areas with strict emission standards that would prohibit the use of the generator.

AKA Energy Systems supplied the automation systems that include hybrid DC switchboards, energy management systems, and battery management systems.

The vessel also boasts an intelligent monitoring and control system that the bridge crew can access via a single touchscreen display. The system developed by Zhejiang Xinnuorui Marine Technology shows real-time conditions on operating parameters such as vessel position, course, wind speed, and water depth. The display also has an engine room alarm and a live video feed from CCTV cameras that are installed throughout the vessel.

All data shown on the display can be relayed to a shore control centre in real time. This allows the owners to be immediately informed about the status of the various onboard systems, thus enabling adjustments in the vessel’s operating profile to be made when necessary.

Design work on Furui 688 was undertaken by Zhejiang Xinhai Ship Design and Research Institute in compliance to China Classification Society requirements. The vessel’s area of operations will encompass the Zhoushan International Maritime Service Base at the Zhejiang Pilot Free Trade Zone.