Bibby Marine announced that it has signed a shipbuilding contract, to build the world’s first truly zero-emission, electric Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (eCSOV), with shipbuilders, Gondan.
In particular, the eCSOV will be built in Gondan’s Asturias shipyard in Spain and is scheduled to be delivered in 2026.
After a thorough tendering process involving a variety of yards in the UK and overseas, Gondan Shipbuilders was selected by Bibby Marine, with an offer that stood out in terms of timeline, budget and quality. Their proven track record in building bespoke, specialist vessels was also a strong factor in selecting Gondan to build this innovative vessel.
As explained, the eCSOV, which has been designed in collaboration with UK-based ship designers Longitude, will feature a powerful battery system, complemented by dual-fuel methanol engines for emissions-free operations. The vessel will be equipped with industry leading mission equipment, a spacious insulated warehouse and climate controlled electrical store. Ensuring comfort for crew members, the vessel will provide top-tier accommodation with generous communal areas and comfortable cabins. To facilitate zero-emission operations, the eCSOV will feature high-voltage offshore charging facilities for rapid recharging. With the capability to operate solely on battery power for over 16 hours between charging cycles, the vessel is primed for efficient field operations. Our eCSOV guarantees superior fuel efficiency, setting a new standard in the industry.
This is an exciting next step for our project, and we are delighted to have found a partner in Gondan Shipbuilders, who will bring our clean vision to life.
..Bibby Marine CEO, Nigel Quinn, Bibby Marine said.
He added: “As a UK owned company, we are pleased this vessel will be the first UK designed CSOV and a UK flagged vessel. We will continue to work alongside our established supply chain and local academia, to ensure UK shipyards are engaged, and have the opportunity to learn, throughout the process. We want this project to support the ambition to turn the UK into the world’s number one centre for green technology.
We are excited to begin this journey with Bibby Marine, who are at the forefront of offshore wind and committed to decarbonising the maritime sector. This project fits seamlessly with our expertise in zero-emission technologies.
..Daniel Scavuzzo, Sales Director of Gondan Shipbuilders stated.
This project is part of the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) scheme, funded by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Innovate UK. ZEVI is part of the Department’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, a £206m initiative focused on developing the technology necessary to decarbonise the UK domestic maritime sector.
