The executive president of Iberdrola, Ignacio Galán, has toured the facilities of Astilleros Ría de Vigo to learn in detail about the electric ship project of Bibby Marine, a support vessel for offshore wind energy operations that incorporates a battery system with a storage capacity of over 24 megawatt hours (MWh).
During the visit, Ignacio Galán was accompanied by executives from Astilleros Ría de Vigo, as well as representatives from Bibby Marine, which has already participated in offshore wind projects of Iberdrola, and Manuel Moreu, president of Seaplace, the company responsible for the design of the new vessel.
Expansion of offshore wind and new investments
Iberdrola has operational offshore wind projects in the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and France, with a total investment of 13 billion euros and 3,200 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity.
In addition, the company is constructing the "East Anglia" 2 and 3 projects in the United Kingdom and Windanker in Germany, with a total capacity of 2,700 MW, which will represent nearly 10 billion euros additional.
Furthermore, the company has the "East Anglia 1 North" project, of about 900 MW, which already has all the permits and is ready to be presented at the upcoming auctions in the United Kingdom, as well as a portfolio of projects in development in the mentioned countries and in others like Australia.
Electrification of the naval sector and technological leadership
Throughout the tour of the shipyard facilities, the executive president of Iberdrola showed interest in the technical development of the ship, its propulsion and energy storage system, and the industrial and technological capabilities of Astilleros Ría de Vigo to tackle projects of high complexity and innovation.
Ignacio Galán highlighted the relevance of initiatives like this, which allow extending the benefits of electrification to the naval sector, key for industrial development and "one of the most relevant in the supply chain of offshore wind," Iberdrola has emphasized in a statement.
Moreover, Galán reiterated Iberdrola's commitment to the electrification of the economy as a key lever to improve competitiveness, strengthen energy autonomy, and accelerate decarbonization objectives.
The visit also highlighted the strategic role that companies like Armon play in the Galician maritime and industrial environment, in the development of technologies aimed at sustainability and innovation, "consolidating Vigo as an international benchmark in high-specialization shipbuilding and in the transition to a low-carbon economy."
A reference vessel for offshore wind
According to Iberdrola, the new vessel designed by Seaplace for Bibby Marine and currently under construction at Astilleros Ría de Vigo is set to become "a global reference in the field of support services for offshore wind farms."
"Its exceptional energy storage capacity through batteries will significantly reduce emissions associated with 'offshore' operations, contributing to the development of a more efficient and sustainable maritime industry in sectors such as offshore wind," the company added.
The ship features electric propulsion and auxiliary methanol engines, and has a cargo capacity of several thousand tons.