Recently, UK offshore vessel owner Bibby Marine held the keel-laying ceremony for the world’s first zero-emission electric Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (eCSOV) at Spain’s Armon Shipyard.
This is the world’s first methanol and battery-powered electric CSOV, marking a significant advancement in the offshore wind industry. According to the plan, the vessel will be delivered in 2027 and is designed to accommodate up to 120 personnel, providing zero-emission commissioning and operational maintenance support for offshore wind farms for up to 30 days.
The vessel adopts the OSD-IMT9605 design from UK ship design company Longitude and will be able to directly charge its large battery pack from wind farms. Its equipped battery capacity sets the largest-ever record for DP2 dynamic positioning vessels. Additionally, the vessel is equipped with a full methanol fuel system, achieving comprehensive clean on-site operations, and is expected to significantly reduce emissions and fuel consumption for the industry.
The project brings together several top maritime technology suppliers: Kongsberg is responsible for providing the dynamic positioning and main propulsion systems, Corvus Energy supplies the battery technology, and Wärtsilä provides the engines and propulsion components. Corvus Energy will equip the vessel with its Blue Whale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), delivering nearly 25 MWh of output power, making it the largest lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery system ever delivered in a maritime project to date.
It is understood that Bibby Marine initially signed a construction contract with Spain’s Gondan Shipyard in May 2024. According to the original plan, the vessel was to be built at Gondan’s Asturias shipyard in Spain and delivered in 2026. However, due to Gondan Shipyard’s inability to complete the construction project on time, Bibby Marine subsequently selected Armon Shipyard to build this innovative electric CSOV.
