Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Cyprus-based shipping company Schoeller Holdings have ordered two Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) together. MOL will also invest in Deutsche Offshore Schifffahrt, which will operate the vessels that are scheduled for delivery in 2027.
Deutsche Offshore Schifffahrt is an offshore energy vessel developer and commercial operator based in Germany. Through this project, MOL will participate in the offshore wind support vessel business in Europe for the first time, following the company’s SOV business in Taiwan.
Offshore wind power is positioned as a key pillar of medium- to long-term energy policy across Europe, supported by strong policy measures. Large-scale offshore wind projects continue to expand in the region, and demand for CSOVs is expected to grow further.
Also read: MOL cuts methane slip by 98% in trials
Increasing non-shipping business
MOL group aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and is promoting a transformation of its business portfolio by increasing the share of non-shipping businesses that are less susceptible to shipping market volatility, thereby securing profitability even during downturns in the shipping market.
Under this policy, this project represents an important milestone in expanding MOL’s offshore wind-related business from Asia into Europe. Going forward, MOL will continue to strengthen businesses that contribute to GHG emission reductions, support the realisation of a decarbonised society, and pursue sustainable growth and enhanced corporate value through a strengthened earnings base.
Also read: Kinetics and MOL to develop floating data centre platform
CSOV
A CSOV provides accommodation for wind farm technicians, allowing it to stay offshore for extended periods of time. The vessel is involved from the construction phase of wind farms through commissioning and up to just before commercial operation begins.
The CSOVs ordered will be equipped with a high capacity crane (50 tonnes) and a large working deck space. They are equipped with a dynamic positioning system (DPS) to continuously ensure a safe distance between the vessel and the offshore wind turbine platforms, and via its “walk-to-work” gangway with a motion compensation function, it allows the technicians to walk safely between the vessel and the wind turbines. Additionally, these CSOVs can provide light construction and decommissioning services in the oil and gas industry.
Vessel particulars are:
- Shipyard: CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding
- Length: 96.25 m
- Beam: 20 m
- Maximum nummber of people on board: 120
- Features: dynamic positioning system (DPS), motion-compensated gangway and crane
Picture: CG rendering image of the vessel (image by MOL).
Also read: Value Maritime and MOL complete carbon capture first
