Gondan launches 120 metre offshore energy vessel for Østensjø Rederi

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Spanish shipbuilder Gondan Shipbuilders has launched a 120 metre Ocean Energy Support Vessel for Østensjø Rederi, marking the largest vessel built by the yard and adding new capacity for offshore wind, subsea construction and cable operations.

The C513 OESV was launched on September 10 at Gondan’s Figueras facility in northern Spain. Designed by Norwegian naval architecture firm Salt Ship Design, the vessel has a beam of 23 metres and is scheduled for delivery in late 2027 following outfitting and sea trials.

The launch also extends a relationship between Gondan and Østensjø Rederi spanning more than two decades. The new vessel brings the number of ships built by the Spanish yard for the Norwegian owner to 23.

Rather than being designed around a single offshore task, the C513 is intended to operate across several segments of the offshore energy market.

The vessel will support walk to work personnel transfers, commissioning service vessel operations for offshore wind projects, offshore construction, subsea installation and inspection work using remotely operated vehicles. It will also be capable of supporting cable laying and cable repair operations.

That flexibility reflects a wider requirement in offshore energy logistics for vessels capable of moving between construction, maintenance and subsea assignments as projects progress through different phases.

The vessel provides about 1,400 square metres of open deck space, including its hangar area, giving operators room for project equipment and offshore cargo. Accommodation is provided for as many as 173 people.

Built to DNV classification standards, the vessel will use a diesel electric propulsion system with six variable speed main engines and permanent magnet Brunvoll azimuth thrusters.

Battery power and shore power systems are also incorporated into the design. The vessel will carry a Fuel Ready notation that is intended to allow conversion to alternative fuels, including methanol.

The combination gives Østensjø Rederi options to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while retaining the endurance required for offshore construction and energy support work.

For offshore operators, that balance is increasingly important. A vessel may spend one assignment supporting turbine commissioning and the next handling subsea equipment or cable work, meaning propulsion efficiency has to work alongside operational flexibility.

Following the launch, Gondan will continue outfitting the C513 before the vessel enters its sea trial programme.

Delivery to Østensjø Rederi is scheduled for late 2027, after which the vessel will join a fleet serving offshore energy and maritime projects.

The C513 also represents a significant increase in the scale of vessels handled at Gondan’s Figueras yard. At 120 metres long and 23 metres wide, it becomes the largest ship launched by the Spanish builder to date.