Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has decided to participate in the European offshore wind support vessel market through an investment in two Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs).
The Japanese shipping company will jointly own the vessels with Schoeller Holdings Ltd., a Cyprus-based shipping group. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2027. Alongside the vessel investment, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. will also invest in Deutsche Offshore Schifffahrt, a German offshore vessel owner and operator that will manage the ships.
The project marks the first time Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has participated in the European offshore wind CSOV segment. The company has previously been involved in offshore wind support vessel projects in Taiwan.
Offshore wind power continues to expand across Europe with strong policy support from governments. As offshore wind projects grow, demand for specialized support vessels is increasing.
Commissioning Service Operation Vessels are used during the construction and commissioning phases of offshore wind farms. The vessels provide accommodation for technicians working at offshore sites and support offshore operations. They are equipped with a Dynamic Positioning System and a motion-compensated “walk-to-work” gangway that allows personnel to move safely between the vessel and offshore wind turbines.
The CSOVs will also feature a 50 t crane and a large working deck. These capabilities enable the vessels to support light construction and decommissioning work in offshore energy projects.
The vessels will be built by CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding. Each vessel will have a length of 96.25 m and a beam of 20 m, with accommodation capacity for up to 120 persons.
Through this project, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. aims to strengthen its offshore wind related business as part of efforts to build a stable earnings base and support initiatives contributing to greenhouse gas emission reductions.
