Bibby Marine and Gondan to build the world’s first electric commissioning service operation vessel

Bibby Marine has signed a shipbuilding contract to build what it states will be the world’s first truly zero-emission, electric commissioning service operation vessel (eCSOV), with shipbuilder Gondan.

Electric commissioning service operation vessel

The eCSOV will be built in Gondan’s Asturias shipyard in Spain and is scheduled to be delivered in 2026. The eCSOV, which has been designed in collaboration with UK-based ship designers Longitude, will feature a battery system, complemented by dual-fuel methanol engines for emission-free operations. The vessel will be equipped with mission equipment, a spacious insulated warehouse and climate-controlled electrical store.

To facilitate zero-emission operations, the eCSOV will feature high-voltage offshore charging facilities for rapid recharging. With the capability to operate solely on battery power for over 16 hours between charging cycles, the vessel is primed for efficient field operations. The vessel will provide accommodation, with communal areas and cabins for crew.

Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) scheme

This project is part of the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) scheme, funded by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Innovate UK. ZEVI is part of the Department’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) program, a £206m (US$260m) initiative focused on developing the technology necessary to decarbonize the UK domestic maritime sector.

Nigel Quinn, CEO of Bibby Marine, said, “This is an exciting next step for our project, and we are delighted to have found a partner in Gondan Shipbuilders, who will bring our clean vision to life. Gondan’s 100-year experience of building ships and more recent experience of building ships to suit a low-/ no-carbon future, aligns closely with our own history and vision, which meant it stood out as a yard to help us deliver our eCSOV.

“As a UK-owned company, we are pleased this vessel will be the first UK-designed CSOV and a UK-flagged vessel. We will continue to work alongside our established supply chain and local academia, to ensure UK shipyards are engaged, and have the opportunity to learn, throughout the process. We want this project to support the ambition to turn the UK into the world’s number one center for green technology.

“The delivery of this vessel has the potential to be a game changer for our industry by accelerating our path to net zero, as well as showcasing marine innovation at its finest. This project will demonstrate that clean ships can be built at the same total cost of ownership as a conventional fossil burning vessel, coupled with significantly reduced operating costs.”

Daniel Scavuzzo, sales director of Gondan Shipbuilders, stated, “We are excited to begin this journey with Bibby Marine, who are at the forefront of offshore wind and committed to decarbonizing the maritime sector. This project fits seamlessly with our expertise in zero-emission technologies.”

Jonathan Lewis, CEO of Bibby Line Group, said, “As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on being able to take a long-term perspective. Following our group restructure in 2020, significant investment in our more focused portfolio of core businesses is resulting in improved group performance and allowing us to invest for future growth – putting Bibby very much back on the front foot in our respective sectors.

“I am delighted that we are investing in world-leading green technology within the marine sector, in which we have operated throughout our 200-year history. This investment has been made possible by the dedicated and skilled people who are part of Bibby Marine and the broader Bibby Line Group.”

In related news, GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business was recently awarded a contract by Singapore shipbuilder ST Engineering Marine Limited to supply its Ship’s Electric Grid with integrated full electric propulsion (IFEP) equipment for the Republic of Singapore Navy’s six-ship multi-role combat vessel (MRCV) program. Click here to read the full story.