Ta San Shang Marine Co. Ltd. (TSSM), a joint venture between Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. and Taiwan’s Ta Tong Marine Co., Ltd., has contracted Damen Shipyards to build a second Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) 9020. This new vessel is slated for delivery at the end of 2026 and will be deployed in Taiwanese offshore wind farms, reinforcing TSSM’s growing presence in the region.
Upon the delivery of this new CSOV, TSSM’s fleet will expand to three Service Operation Vessels. The first vessel, TSS Pioneer, was introduced in 2022, followed by the TSS Cruiser, another Damen CSOV ordered in November 2023, and expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
MOL Executive Officer Masayuki Sugiyama expressed confidence in the new acquisition, stating, “We are pleased to have placed an order for TSSM’s third CSOV. We are confident that the SOV will not only make TSSM the dominant SOV player in Taiwan but will also serve as a stepping stone for the development of MOL’s SOV business in Asia, including Japan.”
This second CSOV, like its predecessor TSS Cruiser, will be constructed in Vietnam. The vessel, measuring 90 meters in length, will provide top-notch accommodation for up to 120 personnel. These workers will reach their offshore work sites safely via a motion-compensated gangway. The vessel will feature a diesel-battery hybrid power generation system and will be fully ‘methanol-ready,’ aligning with modern environmental standards.
TSSM Chairman Hrong-Nain Lin highlighted the strategic importance of this purchase, saying, “We are excited to further expand our fleet with the purchase of another Damen CSOV 9020. Through the expansion of our offshore fleet, we can offer an efficient tool in helping to accelerate wind farm construction. We eagerly anticipate contributing more in the field of clean energy, to play our part in achieving the goal of Net Zero carbon emissions, ultimately to make the planet inhabitable for future generations.”
Arnout Damen, CEO of Damen Shipyards Group, shared his enthusiasm post-contract signing, which took place at the end of June. “We are grateful that TSSM has selected Damen once more as the builder of the newest CSOV in their fleet. Last year, we welcomed TSSM into the Damen family with the CSOV 9020 TSS Cruiser and since then, we have further strengthened and intensified our relationship. We look forward to a continued, fruitful, and long relationship with TSSM.”
The Asian offshore wind industry is on a rapid growth trajectory, with numerous offshore wind farms in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea scheduled to commence operations towards the end of this decade. In response, Damen is leveraging its extensive experience from the European offshore wind sector to cater to the specific needs of its Asian clientele.
