Van Oord, a Dutch marine contractor, has placed an order for two advanced subsea rock installation vessels, a strategic move to address the escalating global demand for offshore energy infrastructure protection. The first vessel is slated to enter service in 2028, with the second following a year later. This expansion comes as offshore wind farms and other subsea energy projects proliferate, necessitating robust infrastructure to safeguard cables, pipelines, and foundations.
Subsea rock installation is a critical process that stabilizes and protects these assets. The new vessels, boasting a substantial loading capacity of 35,000 tonnes, will be equipped to handle large rock sizes and feature a DP-2 dynamic positioning system. This system allows the vessels to maintain precise positioning despite challenging conditions such as waves, wind, and currents. The enhanced capabilities will make these vessels particularly suitable for long-distance projects, minimizing round trips and thereby reducing emissions and costs per installed rock volume.
“Van Oord is at the forefront of the energy transition,” stated Maurits den Broeder, managing director of offshore energy at the company. “Through innovative technologies and long-term investments, we actively contribute to greater energy security and energy independence for countries. Particularly in times when securing critical underwater infrastructure is a priority, this investment is important. These new vessels embody our commitment to innovation, safety, sustainability, and efficiency, while supporting the growing demands of our clients and our own net-zero ambitions.”
The vessels are designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating multi-fuel engines capable of running on biofuel and methanol, a DC-grid with large battery storage capacity, and an energy-efficient hull design and rock handling system. These features are expected to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, aligning with Van Oord’s net-zero ambitions.
Currently, Van Oord operates three subsea rock installation vessels: Stornes, Nordnes, and Bravenes. The new vessels will build on this existing platform, offering key upgrades to meet future offshore challenges. The construction of these vessels will be carried out by Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore in China.
This development underscores a broader trend in the offshore energy sector, where the demand for specialized vessels and infrastructure is growing in tandem with the expansion of renewable energy projects. As countries strive to achieve energy independence and transition to cleaner energy sources, the need for reliable and efficient subsea infrastructure protection becomes increasingly paramount. Van Oord’s investment not only positions the company to meet this demand but also sets a precedent for sustainable practices within the industry.
The introduction of these advanced vessels could spur further innovation in the sector, encouraging other companies to adopt similar technologies and practices. Moreover, the focus on reducing emissions and enhancing efficiency aligns with global efforts to combat climate change, potentially influencing regulatory frameworks and industry standards. As the offshore energy landscape evolves, such investments will be crucial in shaping a sustainable and resilient energy future.