Van Oord has ordered two new subsea rock installation vessels in a bid to meet the rising global demand for offshore energy infrastructure protection.
The first vessel is expected to enter the market in 2028, with a second vessel expected to follow within one year.
Subsea rock installation is vital for protecting and stabilising offshore energy assets such as cables, pipelines and wind farm foundations.
The new vessels will be equipped with a substantial loading capacity of 35,000 tonnes, will be capable of handling large rock sizes, and feature a DP-2 dynamic positioning system.
Van Oord said this system will enable the vessels to maintain precise positioning despite challenging conditions such as waves, wind and currents.
These features will make the vessels ideal for long-distance projects, as they will minimise round trips, reducing emissions and costs per installed rock volume.
“Van Oord is at the forefront of the energy transition,” said Maurits den Broeder, managing director of offshore energy at the company. “Through innovative technologies and long-term investments, we actively contribute to greater energy security and energy independence for countries.
“Particularly in times when securing critical underwater infrastructure is a priority, this investment is important.
“These new vessels embody our commitment to innovation, safety, sustainability and efficiency, while supporting the growing demands of our clients and our own net-zero ambitions.”
The sustainable design of the vessels includes multi-fuel engines (biofuel and methanol), a DC-grid with large battery storage capacity, and an energy-efficient hull design and rock handling system. These technologies enable a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, Van Oord said.
The company currently operates three subsea rock installation vessels: Stornes, Nordnes and Bravenes. The new vessels will build on this platform, offering key upgrades to meet future offshore challenges. The vessels will be constructed by Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore in China.