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First steel cut marks start of four vessel series
Construction has officially begun on a new fleet of offshore service vessels for the expanding offshore energy sector.
The first steel was cut on 5 March for the vessel DO Joule at the CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, marking the start of a four vessel Construction Commissioning Service Operation Vessel series ordered by Schoeller Holdings.
The project represents a collaboration between several maritime industry players. Deutsche Offshore Schifffahrt will serve as developer, operator, and commercial manager of the vessels. Columbia Shipmanagement will handle technical management of the fleet once delivered.
The steel cutting ceremony was attended by Johannes Wolters, Managing Director of Deutsche Offshore Schifffahrt, Rangel Vassilev, Director of Newbuilding and Special Projects at Columbia Shipmanagement, and Xu Qiung, Deputy General Manager of CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard.
Delivery of the vessels is scheduled to begin in May 2027. Each of the three remaining sister ships will follow at intervals of three months.
Vessel design targets full offshore project lifecycle
The new vessel class has been designed by Norwegian naval architects Salt Ship Design. The concept focuses on versatility across offshore energy projects, including wind farm construction, commissioning work, and ongoing operations and maintenance.
Think of the vessels as a multi tool for offshore construction. Instead of relying on multiple specialized vessels, operators can deploy a single platform capable of supporting several stages of an offshore project.
The vessels will measure 96.25 meters in length with a beam of 20 meters. Their modular design allows operators to adapt onboard equipment depending on the operational task.
One of the defining features is a gangway system designed to provide access to offshore platforms positioned between 12 and 30 meters above the waterline. The system offers what the company describes as the largest operational envelope currently available in the industry.
Technical capabilities aimed at offshore precision work
The vessels are equipped with dynamic positioning systems designed for precise offshore station keeping. A HiPAP hydroacoustic positioning system will support subsea operations by improving positioning accuracy for underwater equipment and vehicles.
Each vessel will also feature a helicopter deck rated for 12.4 tons, allowing personnel transfer and logistical support for offshore operations worldwide.
Operational flexibility is further supported by a modular working deck providing 800 square meters of open deck space. This allows equipment and tools to be configured depending on project requirements.
The onboard crane system is designed to change configuration within 48 hours. Operators can switch between a 50 ton active heave compensated crane setup and a 10 ton three dimensional motion compensated mode depending on the type of offshore work being performed.
The vessels are also equipped for remotely operated vehicle deployment and include a removable daughter craft system for offshore support operations.
Accommodation and onboard services for offshore technicians
The vessels will provide accommodation for up to 95 technicians and crew members.
Living spaces are designed to offer modern facilities aimed at long offshore rotations. Hospitality services will be managed by Columbia Signature, a division of Columbia Shipmanagement that also manages hotel operations on international cruise vessels.
The onboard services approach reflects a growing focus in the offshore industry on improving living conditions for technicians who may spend weeks at sea during construction and commissioning projects.
Offshore vessel demand grows with energy transition
Demand for specialized offshore service vessels continues to grow alongside the expansion of offshore wind and other marine energy projects.
With the start of construction on DO Joule, Deutsche Offshore Schifffahrt positions itself in a segment where vessel flexibility is increasingly valuable. Offshore developers are seeking platforms that can support multiple phases of project work without requiring separate vessels for each task.
For shipyards, operators, and offshore contractors, the question is becoming increasingly practical. How can one vessel cover more work without compromising safety or efficiency?
This new class of C CSOVs attempts to answer that question through modular design, adaptable equipment, and expanded operational capabilities.
