To meet increasing demand in the offshore wind market, Østensjø Rederi has signed a letter of intent for the construction of four Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOV). The vessels are designed for service operations during the commissioning and operation of offshore wind parks. In addition to lower operational expenses and more efficient operations, it is estimated that emission of greenhouse gases will be reduced by a minimum 30 % on the newbuildings. The vessels will be prepared for installation of zero-emission technology.
The 88.3 meter in length vessels, to be delivered early 2022 and onwards, will serve as mother ships for wind turbine technicians as they perform commissioning and maintenance work on offshore wind turbines. High standard cabins and common areas can accommodate up to 97 technicians and 23 marine crew, 120 persons in total. Anti-heeling and roll reduction systems will provide a very stable working platform, and the motion compensated gangway system with an adjustable pedestal will ensure safe and efficient connections to the turbines. The clients will have the advantage of an optimal logistical operation for turbine technicians, even in harsh weather conditions.
“Østensjø Rederi is very excited about this newbuilding program. Significant growth is expected in the offshore wind market over the next decades, and we are confident these CSOVs will be the optimal and preferred tool for our clients. Østensjø Rederi has been working in the offshore wind market since 2016, and with the delivery of our first two Service Operation Vessels (SOV) in 2018, the company has established itself as a major player in this market. In addition to our existing vessels, both on long term contracts with Ørsted, the four newbuildings will further strengthen our market position in offshore wind”, says Kenneth Walland, CEO of Østensjø Rederi.
Substantial efforts have been made in order to build the most environmentally friendly vessels. The vessels are equipped with a battery hybrid propulsion system, which together with other energy saving equipment will reduce emission of greenhouse gases significantly. The generators onboard are IMO tier 3 certified. Together with partners, Østensjø Rederi is working on developing new technologies based on hydrogen as a safe and efficient energy source. The newbuildings are prepared for future installation of this novel technology, which will turn the CSOVs into zero emission vessels without compromising operational capabilities. Such focus on and investment in environmentally friendly solutions will be possible with Norwegian governmental support schemes to green shipping projects.
“We are proud to present these low-emission vessels to the market. For Østensjø Rederi it is important to continuously push the development of environmentally friendly technologies. We firmly believe our new CSOVs will be the first zero emission vessels in this market”, says Kenneth Walland.
The CSOVs are designed by Salt Ship Design, Norway in close cooperation with Østensjø Rederi. The vessels will be built at Astilleros Gondán, Spain, a decision founded upon a strong relationship following the previous construction of 13 vessels already delivered to Østensjø Rederi. Clarksons Platou Securities and DNB Markets, a part of DNB Bank ASA, have been engaged as financial advisors in the project. Advokatfirmaet BAHR acts as legal advisor.
Source: Østensjø Rederi