Spanish shipyard tasked with bringing ocean energy support vessel to life

Norway-headquartered Østensjø Rederi, an integrated maritime services provider to the global offshore energy markets, has entrusted the construction of its new ocean energy support vessel (OESV) to Astilleros Gondon, a Spanish shipyard. This ship will sport a battery power hybrid propulsion system alongside other low-emission tools.

Since Østensjø Rederi ordered an OESV at Astilleros Gondan, the duo entered into a shipbuilding contract, which the Norwegian player sees as taking “a major step” toward continuous improvement and modernization of its fleet. The newbuild vessel is slated to be delivered in the second half of 2027.

Kristian Helland Vea, CEO of Østensjø Rederi, commented: “We are excited to start on this shipbuilding journey with the ordering of a new vessel type. The ordering aligns with our ongoing efforts to modernize our fleet, our commitment to new technology, and our dedication to decarbonization.”

Designed by Norway’s Salt Ship Design, the vessel will be equipped to perform various operations within the offshore energy arena, such as inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR); construction; walk-to-work/flotel services; and cable laying. The vessel’s design and technology are anticipated to ensure low-emission operations without compromising performance.

“The construction of this vessel is a massive project, and we are pleased to have Astilleros Gondan as our partner. We know each other well and their proven track record and ability to meet our high standards make them the ideal choice for us. We are eager to start the project and watch the vessel come to life,” Vea added.

With a beam of 23 meters, the 120-meter-long vessel, which will accommodate 180 people in high-standard daylight cabins, will feature a versatile design, ensuring the ship can operate across multiple segments within the ocean space, ensuring efficiency and operational flexibility.

“In a rapidly changing industry, the main design objective has been to create a versatile vessel that can serve across segments. While we cannot predict the future, we are comfortable this vessel will meet both the current and future market needs and remain relevant for all activites we expect will take place in the ocean space for years to come,” highlighted Østensjø Rederi’s CEO.

Equipped with a battery power hybrid propulsion system alongside other energy-saving equipment such as heat recovery systems to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the vessel’s design is said to be prepared for low-carbon technology in the future.

While the order for the OESV comes only weeks after VARD inked a contract for an energy construction vessel (ECV) with Norway’s Wind Energy Construction, months have gone by since Island Offshore tapped the same player to design and construct one hybrid power ocean energy construction vessel (OECV) and agreed on an option for two more ships.

A few weeks ago, VARD held the steel cutting ceremony for a customized hybrid power cable lay and construction vessel it is building for the Japanese offshore wind market. Huisman will handle the ship’s full electric 250 mt hybrid boom subsea crane and a 100 mt knuckle boom crane.