DEME Places Order for Methanol-Ready Offshore Construction Ship

DEME, a leading offshore contractor, has announced the order of a new offshore construction vessel (OCV) from PaxOcean, designed for future conversion to methanol propulsion. The vessel will be built at PaxOcean’s shipyard in Zhoushan, China, with an expected delivery date set for 2028. This innovative vessel will feature a hybrid battery system, enhancing its operational capabilities.

Innovative Design and Future-Proofing

The newly ordered offshore construction vessel will be equipped with a hybrid 1,000-kWh battery system, allowing for improved efficiency and reduced emissions during operations. While the vessel will initially operate on conventional marine fuels, its methanol-ready designation means it can be retrofitted in the future to utilize methanol as a cleaner alternative. This forward-thinking approach aligns with the industry’s shift towards more sustainable practices, although it is worth noting that several vessels with similar capabilities have yet to undergo conversion to methanol.

LR to class Vard built methanol-ready Commissioning Service Operations Vessels

DEME emphasized the versatility of the new vessel, which is designed to perform a range of operations, including trenching, burial, and cable-laying. This capability will complement DEME’s existing fleet, which includes the cable installation vessels Living Stone and Viking Neptun. The addition of this methanol-ready OCV reflects DEME’s commitment to advancing its fleet with innovative technologies that meet the evolving demands of offshore construction and installation projects.