HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has taken a step toward domestic production of eco-friendly service operation vessels (SOVs) designed for the offshore wind sector.
The company recently signed a memorandum of mutual cooperation with Malcom, a marine engineering and offshore consulting specialist, to jointly develop a Korean-type offshore wind support vessel.
SOVs are used to support maintenance and repair activities at offshore wind farms. The vessels provide accommodation and operational facilities that allow technicians to remain offshore for extended periods while carrying out maintenance work from a dedicated support base.
Their role is becoming increasingly important as offshore wind projects move farther from shore. Greater travel distances and weather-related access restrictions can make offshore-based operations more efficient than daily transfers from land.
Growth in the offshore wind industry is also expected to support demand for these vessels. According to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), cumulative global offshore wind capacity is forecast to increase from 83.2 GW at the end of 2024 to 441 GW by 2034.
Under the agreement, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Malcom will jointly develop an eco-friendly SOV tailored to the operating conditions of South Korea’s offshore wind sector. The companies also plan to pursue Approval in Principle (AiP) from Korean Register.
An official from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries said eco-friendly SOVs represent essential infrastructure for the reliable operation of the offshore wind market.
An offshore wind industry official said the global offshore wind market was estimated at approximately KRW 65 trillion to KRW 74 trillion in 2025, with cumulative installed capacity exceeding 83 GW. The official added that South Korea remains at an early stage of development, citing around 0.35 GW and approximately 260 MW in cumulative commercial operation records, while demand for offshore wind support vessels continues to grow both domestically and internationally.
