Allseas taps Wuchang Shipbuilding for offshore vessel duo

Swiss marine construction leader Allseas has made a significant investment by ordering two state-of-the-art offshore construction vessels from China’s Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group. These vessels, designed for enhanced performance and flexibility, are set to bolster Allseas’ capabilities in the growing offshore market. The first vessel is expected to be delivered in September 2026, followed by the second in December of the same year.

Advanced Features and Specifications

The new vessels are based on the innovative SALT 308 OCV design, which incorporates cutting-edge technology to optimize performance. Each vessel will measure 100 meters in length and feature a spacious 1,100 square meter cargo deck, capable of accommodating up to 110 personnel. This design not only enhances operational efficiency but also ensures the safety and comfort of the crew.

Jinling Shipyard delivers 62,000 dwt multi-purpose vessel to China Merchants

Equipped with a DP2 dynamic positioning system, the vessels will offer precise maneuverability essential for offshore construction projects. A 150-tonne active heave-compensated offshore crane will facilitate heavy lifting operations, while a dedicated hangar will house two work-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for underwater tasks. Additionally, the vessels will feature a hybrid 1,500-kWh battery energy storage system, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact. Notably, the propulsion system is designed to be methanol-ready, aligning with industry trends towards greener energy solutions.

Dries van Strijp, Allseas’ vice president of operations, emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition. “After carefully exploring all available options, it became clear that securing two next-generation newbuilds – fully optimized with the latest technology – was the best long-term solution to strengthen our capabilities and capture new opportunities in a growing offshore market,” he stated. This investment marks a pivotal step for Allseas as it aims to enhance its operational capacity and adapt to the evolving demands of the offshore construction sector.