Holland Shipyards Group, Bakker Sliedrecht and Chevalier Floatels are working on the transformation of an unfinished well intervention vessel. The vessel was originally built in Spain, but is now being converted into an offshore construction vessel.
The conversion is taking place at the yard of Holland Shipyards Group in Hardinxveld-Giessendam. The vessel, CF Formidable, is scheduled for delivery is in about two months.
Conversion
The vessel first arrived at Holland Shipyards around January 2025. The 110-metre-long vessel is based on a MT6040 design from Marin Teknikk AS, Norway. In May 2025, the vessel also paid a visit to Damen Schiedam. The vessel entered this yard as Oceanic III and emerged with a fresh coat of Chevalier Floatels blue, bearing its new name: CF Formidable.
CF Formidable is set to become a DP2 offshore support vessel, equipped with a 150-ton active heave-compensated (AHC) crane and accommodations for 120 personnel. With the addition of an accommodation module, its capacity can be expanded to 200 beds, making it well-suited for FPSO installation and maintenance campaigns.
Just last week, Holland Shipyards reported the installation of the vessel’s helideck.
Also read: Holland Shipyards delivers third coaster to De Bock
System integration and engineering
Following an extensive multidisciplinary assessment, Bakker Sliedrecht was awarded the scope for system integration and engineering. This includes the integration of the electrical installation on board.
The project includes the delivery of custom-built equipment such as bridge consoles, propulsion drive systems, 19-inch racks and power distribution panels, alongside the supply of key onboard systems including fire detection, lighting and public address. In parallel, several modifications are being carried out on the existing 690V, 440V and 230V switchboards.
Since October 2025, Bakker Sliedrecht has been supporting the project on site with installation supervision and commissioning, contributing to the realisation of the vessel’s electrical and automation systems.
Picture (top): The Oceanic III before conversion into CF Formidable (photo by Holland Shipyards).
Also read: Vinci Energies acquires RH Marine and Bakker Sliedrecht
