Offshore Vessel News Roundup | October 10 – A new Japanese installation ship, a Chinese cable transport barge and more

A Japanese owner adds an installation vessel to its fleet while construction continues on a heavy transport vessel that will support submarine cable works in China.

A UK-Norwegian partnership unveils a new design of offshore wind maintenance vessel. Finally, a Saudi operator places orders for three fast crewboats.

Japan’s PKY Marine adds installation jackup to fleet

PKY Marine, a joint venture formed by Japanese companies Penta-Ocean Construction, Kajima Corporation and Yorigami Maritime Construction, has taken delivery of a new self-elevating platform (SEP) that will undertake offshore installation duties.

CP-16001 was built by PaxOcean Engineering of Singapore at its Batam shipyard in Indonesia. Design work was provided by Netherlands-based GustoMSC.

The 120- by 45-metre vessel has accommodations for 100 personnel and a crane with a lifting capacity of 1,600 tonnes to enable it to lift and install large offshore wind turbines and associated components.

CP-16001 will initially be deployed at Japan’s Kitakyushu Hibikanada offshore wind farm site in November 2023.

New cable transport barge floated out in China

China’s Zhejiang Donghong Shipbuilding has floated out a new semi-submersible, heavy transport barge ordered by local shipowner Ningbo Oriental Ocean Engineering.

Named Dongfang Hai Gong 07 (“Oriental Offshore 07”), the 20,000DWT, non-self-propelled vessel will be used for the transport of deck cargo and submarine cables. Installed on board are two 36-metre cable carousels and cable testing equipment.

Construction was done in compliance to China Classification Society requirements.

Partnership to develop mid-size SOV for offshore wind farms

A partnership formed by UK naval architecture firm Chartwell Marine and Norwegian shipbuilder Vard will develop a new type of service operation vessel (SOV) to serve the US and European offshore wind markets.

With a length of 55 metres and an array of special features, the vessel will fill a new operational role between traditional SOVs and smaller crewboats.

The SOV will incorporate a low waterplane shape that broadens above the waterline, effectively minimising and dampening roll motion. This will allow the vessel to remain stable during operations.

The spacious superstructure will have 36 single bunk cabins for technicians, 20 crew cabins, and extensive crew facilities including a gym, an auditorium, meeting rooms, and day rooms.

The vessel can be equipped with dual-fuel engines that can run on either methanol or diesel, electric propulsion, and an energy storage system.

The partners expect the SOV will be introduced in 2024. It is designed to be Jones Act-compliant and ready for production in shipyards in the United States.

Zamil Offshore Services orders three 60-metre crewboats

Saudi Arabia-based Zamil Offshore Services has placed an order for three fast crewboats in a series to be built by Lita Ocean of Singapore.

The ABS-classed vessels will each have a length of 60 metres, firefighting pumps, space for 60 passengers/technicians and 18 crewmembers, a 250-square-metre aft cargo deck, and four MTU engines driving Hamilton waterjets. The propulsion will deliver a service speed of 25 knots.

The vessels will be used to transport cargo, maintenance equipment, and personnel in support of Saudi Aramco’s operations in the Middle East.

Click here for more news stories, feature articles, and vessel reviews as part of this month’s focus on offshore vessels.