Polish shipbuilder starts ordering equipment for DOF’s next-gen offshore support vessel

Polish shipbuilder CRIST S.A. has awarded a number of contracts to equip a next-generation offshore support vessel (OSV) it is building for Norwegian vessel owner DOF Group, set to operate offshore Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Provisionally named Sea Dragon and scheduled for delivery by Q1 2027, the vessel is based on the MMC 995L SBC design from MMC Ship Design & Marine Consulting, with StoGda Ship Design & Engineering responsible for the working documentation and construction supervision during construction at the shipyard.

The 110-meter long DP3 ice-class vessel, capable of hosting 164 persons, is configured to perform down staffing and crew change, drilling support, on site safety standby, as well as emergency towing and ice management.

The steel cutting ceremony for the vessel took place on January 7.

It will feature two 1 MWh battery packs and several generator sets for power supply, positioning, and propulsion, driving two main azimuth thrusters, a retractable azimuth thruster and two tunnel thrusters. Additionally, the vessel will be capable of operating on biofuel or a biofuel blend.

CRIST S.A. placed an order with MAN for six 12V175D high-speed variable speed gensets for the vessel. According to MAN, the 175D is an extremely eco-friendly engine, designed from the outset for low fuel consumption, coupled with compliance to the latest exhaust-gas-emission standards and considering as well future-fuel requirements where it is already cleared for operation on biofuels such as FAME and HVO and prepared for future operation on methanol.

“The MAN 175D is a versatile unit that reaches most competitive fuel consumption in variable speed mode. Its environmental footprint and operating costs are lowest in class due to its high fuel-efficiency, low lube oil consumption and long service-intervals,” said Florian Keiler, Head of High-Speed, MAN Energy Solutions.

“Combined with MAN Energy Solutions’ after sales support MAN PrimeServ, we are confident the 175D represents a worthy overall package for customers and we thank DOF for placing its trust in us.”

Furthermore, CRIST S.A. awarded Palfinger Marine with a contract to supply a comprehensive equipment package, consisting of an extensive fully electric, frequency-controlled winch system, which as the company says enables safe and efficient anchoring, mooring, deck handling, towing, and ice management even in extreme offshore conditions, as well as a stern roller and the Palfinger Hose Securing System (HSS) for safe and secure fastening of hoses during fluid transfers between vessels and offshore drilling rigs.

Palfinger Marine will also provide the complete lifesaving appliances onboard, consisting of totally enclosed lifeboats and the corresponding hydraulic pivoting davits as well as life raft davits.

“This collaboration with CRIST S.A. once again proves that we meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. Engineered for harsh conditions, it will enable robust and secure operations, setting new benchmarks for the next generation of Offshore Support Vessels,” said Sverre Mowinckel-Nilsen, Head of Global Sales Solution Management at Palfinger Marine.