Thruster package ordered for ‘first of its kind’ energy subsea construction vessel

Norwegian Myklebust Shipyard has awarded compatriot Brunvoll with a contract to deliver a thruster package for an energy subsea construction vessel (ESCV) it is building for REM Offshore.

Brunvoll will deliver a thruster package consisting of two propulsion azimuth thrusters, two retractable azimuth thrusters, and a tunnel thruster for one vessel, with an additional vessel as an option.

According to the company, one of the retractable azimuth thrusters is a newly developed and more compact version of Brunvoll’s traditional azimuth combi thrusters, where the thruster functions as a tunnel thruster in a retracted position. The new combi thruster design is said to have a significantly lower building height using a similar arrangement for lowering and retracting as used for the non-combi units and offers increased efficiency in retracted position.

“Local owner, local yard, local designer, and local propulsion supplier is a testimonial for what the surrounding maritime industry is capable of when we work together. Kudos to REM for trusting local expertise and supporting the local value chain, to build this cutting-edge vessel,” said Bernt Rune Riksfjord, VP Sales at Brunvoll.

“This type of multipurpose vessels is something we have a great belief in, and the low energy consumption and emissions will make it very attractive in any market.”

REM Offshore placed the order with Myklebust Shipyard for the vessel said to be the first of its kind to perform heavy construction work in both offshore wind and subsea with net zero emissions earlier 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.

Norway-based Corvus Energy will provide energy storage systems (ESS) for the new vessel.

Skipsteknisk designed the flexible platform in close cooperation with REM and Myklebust, with delivery expected in 2026.

“Our selection of Brunvoll reflects REM Offshore’s vision to use local suppliers to achieve a more sustainable and efficient maritime industry. We are impressed by how Brunvoll and Skipsteknisk have been able to optimize the solution for low energy consumption and emission,” said Ronny Pål Kvalsvik, Chief Commercial Officer at REM Offshore.