Offshore Vessel News Roundup | November 30 – Hydrogen-powered service operation vessels plus UK-designed crewboats to be built in Asia

This latest roundup focuses on the offshore wind support sector. Construction is nearly complete on a new servicing and maintenance vessel for a Norwegian owner while work will soon commence on UK-designed crewboats to be built in Singapore and Thailand. Also, a new series of service operation vessels powered by hydrogen will be developed by a Dutch-Belgian partnership.

Integrated Wind Solutions’ newest CSOV hits the water

Norwegian operation Integrated Wind Solutions (IWS) has confirmed the recent launch of its newest commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV), IWS Skywalker.

The vessel is the lead unit of a new series of CSOVs ordered by IWS. Four of these vessels will be in service by 2024.

IWS Skywalker will be deployed to support operations at the Dogger Bank offshore wind farm in the UK beginning in 2023.

Thai shipyard to build UK-designed windfarm crewboats

Thai shipbuilder and ship repairer Marsun will construct examples of a recently introduced series of windfarm crewboats designed by UK-based BAR Technologies.

The vessels will utilise the same design as that of Seacat Columbia, which was delivered to UK operator Seacat Services earlier this year. Each crewboat will be fitted with active foiling systems to correct for pitch and roll even in significant wave heights of 2.5 metres while a narrow hull form combined with a SWATH-style outrigger will help minimise both vessel motions and fuel burn.

The Marsun-built crewboats will be made available to offshore wind customers in Asia.

Singapore builder tapped for crewboat newbuilding trio

Singapore shipbuilder Strategic Marine has entered into an agreement wherein it will construct three catamaran crewboats in a series designed by Chartwell Marine in the UK.

Each vessel will have a length of 27 metres and seating for up to 32 technicians. Multiple crew configurations will enable flexibility in space planning and enhance the comfort necessary during long offshore stays.

All three crewboats are being built for an undisclosed customer.

Windcat Offshore orders hydrogen-powered CSOVs

Netherlands-based offshore Windcat Offshore has placed an order for the construction of a new series of hydrogen-powered commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) by the Damen Shipyards Group.

The design work on the CSOVs will be a collaboration between Windcat, Damen, and Belgium-based CMB.Tech. Each vessel will measure 87 by 20 metres and will have accommodations for 120 people.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2025.