Marco Polo Marine has formalized a strategic partnership with Vestas Taiwan, signing a framework agreement for the inaugural deployment of its state-of-the-art Crew Transfer and Service Operation Vessel (CSOV). The vessel, designed to accommodate up to 110 personnel, is slated for deployment across diverse offshore wind farms in the Asia Pacific region over a three-year period, backed by a minimum annual utilization commitment.
Currently in construction at the Marco Polo Shipyard in Batam, Indonesia, the 83-meter vessel represents a significant milestone for the offshore wind industry in Asia. Expected to commence operations in the East China Sea by the second half of 2024, the CSOV is equipped with cutting-edge features, including a walk-to-work gangway and a 3D motion-compensated crane. Notably, it is the first vessel of its kind designed in Asia.
Marco Polo Marine CEO, Sean Lee, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Vestas, emphasizing the company's commitment to delivering advanced wind construction vessels that prioritize performance, quality, and reliability. Lee highlighted the vessel's incorporation of hybrid-based energy storage systems, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by up to 20%.
Dennis Mordhorst, Regional Director of Offshore Support at Vestas Asia Pacific, echoed the sentiment, describing the partnership as a significant milestone. He emphasized the vessel's technical advancements and its contribution to addressing the current shortage of suitable vessels for wind farm operations in the region. The long-term agreement is expected to enhance vessel market maturity, stabilize pricing, and improve operational readiness for future projects.
The collaboration between Marco Polo Marine and Vestas is poised to play a pivotal role in meeting the escalating demand for specialized support vessels in the rapidly expanding offshore wind industry in Asia. As global attention increasingly focuses on clean energy solutions, the partnership aims to position itself as a key player in driving sustainability and technological innovation in maritime operations.
