Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Group (ZPMC) has laid the keel for the second service operation vessel being built for France’s LD Armateurs.

The keel-laying ceremony was held on 30 July at Zhenhua Offshore Engineering.

The vessel is 90 m long, 19.6 m wide and 7.3 m deep. It is designed for operation in harsh offshore conditions and can accommodate up to 96 technical and maintenance personnel.

The SOV will have an endurance of more than 30 days and is designed to meet requirements for unrestricted navigation areas.

Its power system combines diesel generation with lithium batteries and uses a DC busbar distribution arrangement. Power output can be adjusted according to operational load.

The vessel will also be equipped with a DP2 dynamic positioning system, a telescopic motion-compensated gangway and a 3D motion-compensated crane for personnel and equipment transfers.

Accommodation spaces are designed for personnel remaining onboard during extended offshore operations.

After completion, the vessel will serve the Nordlicht offshore wind farm in the German North Sea, supporting long-term operations and maintenance work, including spare parts replacement.