Marco Polo Marine has signed a framework agreement with Vestas Taiwan for the maiden deployment of its new CSOV.
The vessel, which can accommodate up to 110 persons, will be deployed across various offshore wind farms in the Asia Pacific region over three years, based on a minimum utilisation commitment per annum.
The ship is currently under construction at Marco Polo Shipyard in Batam, Indonesia, and is expected to commence operations in the East China Sea in the second half of 2024.
In September 2022, Marco Polo Marine unveiled its plans to build, own and operate a CSOV to meet increasing demand for support vessels from the offshore wind farm industry in Asia.
The 83-metre long vessel will be the first of its type to be designed in Asia and will be equipped with a walk-to-work gangway and a 3D motion-compensated crane, Marco Polo said.
It will also feature hybrid-based energy storage systems that will reduce carbon emissions by up to 20%, it added.
Marco Polo Marine chief executive Sean Lee said: “We are thrilled to announce today the formalisation of our partnership with Vestas, which marks a critical milestone in our efforts to tap into accelerating demand for support vessels from the region’s offshore wind farm industry.
“This achievement underscores Marco Polo Marine’s unwavering commitment to delivering cutting-edge, specialised wind construction vessels that offer its customers unparalleled performance, quality, and reliability.
“In an era where the global focus is shifting towards clean energy solutions, we stand ready to leverage on the robust, long- term demand for our marine vessels.”
Regional director of offshore support at Vestas Asia Pacific Dennis Mordhorst added: “We are delighted to have achieved this significant milestone with our partner Marco Polo Marine which will enable us to deploy such technically advanced multipurpose vessel to our upcoming operations in Asia Pacific.
“Given the current shortage of suitable vessels for wind farm operations in the region, we are confident that by entering into such long-term agreement, we are enhancing vessel market maturity and pricing stability.
“This in turn is expected to lead to improvements in future projects and Vestas’ operational readiness.
“Both parties’ teams have done tremendous work over the past months to bring this agreement to finalization, and we look forward to further strengthening and deepening our relationship in the coming years.”