Dutch marine contractor Van Oord has placed an order for two new subsea rock installation vessels, citing increased global demand for offshore energy infrastructure protection.
The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2028, with the second to follow within a year. Both vessels will be used to stabilize and safeguard subsea assets, including wind turbine foundations, pipelines, and cables.
Each ship will feature a carrying capacity of 35,000 tonnes and be equipped with a DP-2 dynamic positioning system designed to maintain precise placement even under challenging sea conditions. According to Van Oord, this configuration aims to improve efficiency for long-distance operations, lowering both emissions and cost per installed rock volume by reducing the number of trips required.
Maurits den Broeder, managing director of offshore energy at Van Oord, said the investment aligns with the company’s long-term strategy. “Van Oord is at the forefront of the energy transition,” he noted. “Through innovative technologies and long-term investments, we actively contribute to greater energy security and energy independence for countries.”
The new vessels will also include sustainability-focused design features, such as multi-fuel engines compatible with biofuel and methanol, an energy-efficient hull, a DC-grid system with high-capacity battery storage, and a low-emission rock handling system.
“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,” den Broeder added.
Van Oord currently operates three subsea rock installation vessels—Stornes, Nordnes, and Bravenes. The new additions will be constructed at the Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore yard in China and are expected to expand the company’s ability to respond to evolving offshore energy challenges.
