Solstad Signs CIMC Raffles Newbuild Contract for SBM Offshore Linked Vessel Project

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Solstad Offshore ASA has signed a shipbuilding contract with CIMC Raffles for the construction of its recently announced newbuild vessel, formally moving the project from the planning stage into execution.

The vessel will be built at CIMC Raffles’ Haiyang construction base in Shandong province, China, according to information released by Solstad Offshore. The contract follows Solstad’s earlier announcement of a newbuilding programme connected to its partnership with SBM Offshore.

While the agreement confirms the selected shipyard and advances the project timeline, Solstad has not disclosed the contract value, vessel type, technical specifications, or expected delivery date.

The signing represents a significant milestone for the Norwegian offshore vessel owner. In the shipbuilding industry, a vessel announcement often attracts attention, but the signing of a construction contract marks the point where plans begin to take physical shape.

For CIMC Raffles, the agreement secures a role in a newbuilding programme linked to one of the offshore energy sector’s established vessel operators. The Chinese shipbuilder has extensive experience in offshore engineering and marine construction projects and operates large scale facilities in Shandong province.

The decision also highlights the continued role of Chinese shipyards in securing international offshore vessel orders despite ongoing shifts in global shipbuilding demand and energy market investment patterns.

The newbuilding programme is tied to Solstad’s cooperation with SBM Offshore, a company known for designing, supplying, installing and operating floating production systems for offshore energy developments around the world.

Neither Solstad nor SBM Offshore have released further details regarding the vessel’s intended operational profile. As a result, industry observers will likely be watching closely for future announcements covering vessel capabilities, deployment plans and delivery schedules.

The offshore support vessel market continues to attract investment as energy companies pursue offshore oil, gas and renewable energy projects. New vessel orders remain an important indicator of long term confidence in offshore development activity.

Solstad Offshore ASA is a Norwegian public limited company that provides specialised offshore vessels and marine services to clients operating in offshore energy, subsea and renewable energy markets.

SBM Offshore is a Dutch public limited company focused on floating production systems and offshore energy infrastructure.

CIMC Raffles is part of China International Marine Containers Group and operates offshore engineering and shipbuilding facilities in Shandong province, China.