The new vessels embody Van Oord’s, a market leader in seabed intervention, commitment to innovation, safety, sustainability, and efficiency, while supporting the growing demands of customers and their net-zero ambitions.
Van Oord, a leading marine contractor, has ordered new, state-of-the-art vessels to meet the rising global demand for offshore energy infrastructure protection. The new vessels, with innovation and automation at the core, will be capable of operating on methanol.
Van Oord, the company that pioneered Subsea Rock Installation, expects the delivery of the first vessel in 2028 and the second vessel to follow within one year. The new vessels will be equipped with a substantial loading capacity of 35,000 tonnes, capable of handling large rock sizes, and feature a DP-2 dynamic positioning system. This advanced system will enable the vessels to maintain precise positioning despite challenging conditions, like waves, wind, and currents.
Moreover, these features will make the vessels ideal for long-distance projects, minimize round trips, reduce emissions, and costs per installed rock volume. Maurits den Broeder, Managing Director Offshore Energy at Van Oord, said the company is at the forefront of the energy transition. “Through innovative technologies and long-term investments, we actively contribute to greater energy security and energy independence for countries. Particularly in times when securing critical underwater infrastructure is a priority – this investment is important.”
Den Broeder said the new vessels embody Van Oord’s, a market leader in seabed intervention, commitment to innovation, safety, sustainability, and efficiency, while supporting the growing demands of customers and their net-zero ambitions.
Vessel Design
The sustainable design of the vessels includes multi-fuel engines (biofuel and methanol), a DC-grid with large battery storage capacity, and an energy-efficient hull design and rock handling system. These technologies enable a reduction in CO₂ emissions, supporting Van Oord’s net-zero strategy.
Van Oord currently operates three Subsea Rock Installation vessels – Stornes, Nordnes and Bravenes. The new vessels will build on this proven platform, offering key upgrades to meet future offshore challenges. The vessels will be constructed by Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore in China.
