Singapore-based Marco Polo Marine has confirmed that it is to build, own and operate a commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) that will meet growing demand for vessels in the booming offshore wind industry in Asia
When completed in 1Q 2024, the vessel will also be the first CSOV to have been designed in Asia. The group will fund construction of the vessel using its own resources and borrowings from financial institutions. The company said a new CSOV built in the region is currently valued at about US$60M.
The CSOV, with length of 83 m and beam of 21 m, is based on a design co-developed by Marco Polo Marine and Seatech Solutions International (S) Pte Ltd. It will be used during commissioning work for offshore windfarms, as well as their maintenance operation.
Equipped with a motion compensated gangway for safe personnel transfer from the vessel to the turbines, it will also have a 3D motion-compensated crane to facilitate cargo transfer.
The vessel will also have a hybrid battery-based energy storage system that will reduce emissions and will be ‘future ready’ and able to operate on methanol fuel, further reducing emissions.
The CSOV will have accommodation for up to 110 people on board, with spacious cabins, ample recreational areas and well-equipped fitness facilities, providing a ‘home from home’ for personnel working and living on board.
Marco Polo Marine chief executive Sean lee said, “In March this year, we unveiled new designs for windfarm service vessels, and have received keen interest from offshore wind turbine makers and offshore windfarm developers.
“The industry continues to grapple with a CSOV shortage globally and charter rates continue to surge. We are optimistic about our ability to meet rising demand for this type of vessel with the deployment of our CSOV in 2024. We will be making further announcements once we have secured charter contracts for the vessel.”
