10099687PALM ChargerClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKAs offshore wind pushes into deeper waters and the supporting fleet strives to decarbonise, limitations are encountered in the charging capacity of electrically-powered marine vessels (marine EVs) that seek to support construction and operations. The option to recharge in the field therefore becomes attractive, both in terms of extending range, and also increasing the workability of marine EVs that might otherwise be confined to relatively short transits to and from shore. This project seeks to trial and advance to commercialisation an innovative method of achieving recharging offshore, the PALM Charger. Based on Apollo's Pull and Lock Marine connection system, the PALM Charger allows a vessel to hook up to an offshore mounted charging point in a single winching operation from its back deck. Minimal bespoke outfitting is needed, no active control systems are used and there is no personnel transfer. The connection operation is swift and rugged. The core infrastructure trials will comprise a 14-day offshore deployment of a test rig onto a moored platform off Orkney. A marine vessel will make repeated connections and disconnections using the prototype PALM Charger system in a range of seastates. Project objectives include: * Demonstrating the mechanical connection system in an offshore environment * Demonstrating the functionality of the electrical connection system * Building understanding of the vessel handling operations * Accumulating reliability data on the system operation * Building understanding of the regulatory and certification context * Refining the commercial design * Developing a marketing plan and business case. Apollo will provide overall project management and engineering, providing their prototype PALM Charger system and evolving the marketing plan and design development. The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) will lead the testing operations, working with Leask Marine to set up a test rig and undertake vessel connection/ disconnection operations. As a marine contractor, Leask Marine represent a group of potential future customers, informing the marine operational practicalities and market interest. The outputs of the project will thus advance conversations with developers who are open to innovations, while requiring evidence of reliability to support bankability decisions. While this project focuses on UK offshore wind as a use case, the international expansion of the market will present export opportunities. There are also numerous other sectors where offshore charging of marine EVs would have an application.