The importance of decarbonising offshore vessels: SAFEEN Green leading the charge

The global maritime industry is at the forefront of a new era, driven by the urgent need to address climate change. With international mandates such as the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2050, the decarbonisation of vessels has become a key priority for the shipping and offshore sectors. Among the various maritime sub-sectors, the offshore industry is particularly energy-intensive, making the transition to low-carbon and zero-emission solutions essential.

The offshore industry has long relied on large, fuel-intensive vessels. These vessels, often used for geophysical surveys, inspections, and construction, have traditionally been powered by fossil fuels, contributing to high carbon emissions. Operators and stakeholders are now focusing on transitioning to more sustainable energy sources and integrating greener technologies. Decarbonising offshore vessels, which are often stationed for extended periods and travel long distances, is a critical step in this process.

In this context, the launch of SAFEEN Green by SAFEEN Subsea, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group's Maritime & Shipping Cluster, represents a significant development for the UAE. This innovative state-of-the-art unmanned surface vessel (USV) is designed to revolutionise offshore operations with an unprecedented focus on sustainability.

One of SAFEEN Green’s significant advantages lies in its energy source. The vessel operates on 100% renewable electric power or biofuel, achieving a remarkable 90% reduction in emissions compared to conventional vessels. This represents a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of offshore operations, which have historically relied on diesel-powered vessels.

In addition to its environmental benefits, SAFEEN Green is designed for maximum operational efficiency and safety, with the ability to operate up to 200 nautical miles offshore while collecting geophysical and hydrographic data. Its unmanned capabilities allow it to be controlled remotely from an onshore Remote Operation Centre (ROC), reducing the need for human presence on board. This innovation eliminates personnel safety risks in hazardous offshore environments, where conditions can be unpredictable and dangerous.

The vessel is equipped with advanced navigation and safety technologies, including dual autopilots, high-definition cameras, and redundant monitoring systems. These systems ensure continuous and secure operations, even in challenging offshore conditions. SAFEEN Green's unmanned design also means it can operate independently for extended periods, delivering high-quality geophysical data to commercial standards.

Moreover, the vessel’s modular payload options and superior fuel economy provide cost-efficiency without compromising performance making SAFEEN Green an invaluable asset for a wide range of offshore projects, from oil and gas exploration to wind farm inspections and deep-sea mineral surveys.

The launch of SAFEEN Green is a key milestone in AD Ports Group’s broader strategy to promote sustainability across the maritime sector. As Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO of the Maritime & Shipping Cluster at AD Ports Group, highlighted, “The vessel represents a significant step forward in sustainability and technological innovation. By integrating remote operations and radically reduced emissions, SAFEEN Green sets new standards for the industry while contributing to a greener future”.

With growing pressure from governments, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders toward more stringent environmental regulations and an increasing demand for cleaner energy, vessels like SAFEEN Green are poised to become key drivers in the offshore industry's journey toward decarbonisation, a transition that is not only necessary but inevitable. The offshore industry must embrace innovations like SAFEEN Green to remain competitive and compliant in a rapidly changing world.