‘First-of-its-kind’ methanol-ready energy subsea construction vessel starts taking shape

Norwegian shipping company Rem Offshore has held the keel laying ceremony for what is said to be the first-of-its-kind energy subsea construction vessel (ESCV), set to perform heavy construction work in offshore wind and subsea arenas with net zero emissions.

Following the initial steel cutting on July 3, the keel laying ceremony for the REM Pioneer took place on October 24 at the Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam, with large blocks assembled on the slipway.

REM Offshore placed the order with Myklebust Shipyard for the vessel in March this year, including an option for one more vessel.

The ESCV will use a number of solutions where energy consumption is almost halved compared to comparable tonnage in today’s market and will be equipped with dual-fuel methanol engines in combination with battery packs. All offshore lifting equipment, including the 250 T crane, is electric and regenerates power to the batteries.

The vessel’s working deck is over 1,400 m2 and it is prepared for the installation of an offshore gangway for use in offshore wind. It can accommodate 120 persons.

Norway’s Corvus Energy will provide energy storage systems (ESS) for the new vessel, while Brunvoll will deliver a thruster package. The Skipsteknisk-designed ESCV is scheduled for delivery in 2026.

Corvus’ contract award also entails an option for equipment deliveries for the second vessel.