Marco Polo Marine and Salt Ship Design to Collaborate in Construction of CSOV Plus

SINGAPORE – Marco Polo Marine Ltd. has announced a groundbreaking development in offshore support vessels with the introduction of the Commissioning Service Operation Vessel Plus (CSOV Plus). Designed in collaboration with Norwegian firm Salt Ship Design AS, this next-generation vessel aims to enhance operational efficiency in both the offshore wind and oil & gas sectors. Construction is set to begin at Marco Polo Marine’s Batam shipyard in the second quarter of 2026, with an expected delivery in the second quarter of 2028.

Revolutionizing Offshore Operations

The CSOV Plus represents a significant leap forward in vessel design, distinguishing itself from traditional Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) and Construction Support Vessels. Unlike standard vessels that have been retrofitted for specific tasks, the CSOV Plus is purpose-built from the ground up to serve dual functions in the offshore wind and oil & gas markets. This innovative vessel will support the entire lifecycle of offshore wind projects, including construction, cable installation, maintenance, and technician transfers for commissioning and ongoing operations.

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Sean Lee, CEO of Marco Polo Marine, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Salt Ship Design, emphasizing the vessel’s potential to meet market demands for versatile and efficient offshore assets. “By integrating advanced wind farm support with proven oil & gas capabilities, we are delivering unprecedented versatility that maximizes operational uptime,” he stated. The CSOV Plus is designed to exceed customer expectations while setting new industry standards for crew comfort and safety.

Egil Sandvik, Chairman of Salt, highlighted the long-standing collaboration between the two companies, expressing pride in being entrusted with the development of the CSOV Plus concept. This partnership aims to push the boundaries of offshore vessel design and operational capability.

Enhanced Safety and Sustainability Features

Safety and operational reliability are at the forefront of the CSOV Plus design. The vessel incorporates advanced safety systems and features a state-of-the-art walk-to-work system, allowing for safe personnel transfers in wave heights of up to 3.0 meters. This capability is crucial for maximizing operational days and improving project efficiency in challenging marine environments.

In addition to its operational advantages, the CSOV Plus is built with sustainability in mind. It includes a battery hybrid power system that significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions. The design also accommodates alternative fuels, such as methanol, ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations and providing clients with eco-friendly offshore solutions.

The vessel’s technical specifications further enhance its versatility, featuring a powerful 100-tonne Active Heave Compensated (AHC) crane for handling heavy subsea equipment and wind farm components. With expansive deck space for cargo storage and a flexible cargo lifting system, the CSOV Plus is equipped to handle a variety of project requirements efficiently.

As Marco Polo Marine prepares to embark on this ambitious project, the CSOV Plus stands poised to redefine the capabilities of offshore support vessels, paving the way for advancements in both the wind energy and oil & gas sectors.