Kongsberg Maritime has signed a contract for the design of two multipurpose subsea vessels, which will be methanol-ready and feature battery hybrid technology, and built to the company’s UT7623 SEV (Sustainable Energy Vessel) design.
These are the first references for Kongsberg Maritime’s latest subsea construction vessel designs and will feature a fully integrated package of technology including rim-drive propulsion, hybrid power and winch systems. The UT7623 SEV vessels are designed in close collaboration with Olympic and are expected to be the most energy-efficient in their category. The integrated technology package from Kongsberg Maritime includes rim-drive electric azimuth propulsion, retractable azimuth bow thrusters, switchboards and thruster drives. Hybrid battery power, an integrated bridge system, automation and control systems, dynamic positioning system, tank sounding, mooring winches and an overhead ROV launch and recovery system (LARS) are also included.
Kongsberg Maritime’s experience as an integrator should give these vessels capability for multiple purposes and will ensure they are optimised for advanced offshore operations under rough conditions, offering high performance and efficiency.
Olympic has taken a leading role in the transition to environmentally and climate-friendly vessels, as indicated by the choice of the UT7623 SEV, marking a new milestone in the company’s journey towards more sustainable operations.
Stig Remøy, Olympic CEO and President, said: “At Olympic, we have always been at the forefront of innovation, setting new standards for sustainable offshore operations. The UT7623 SEV vessels build on our long-standing experience in renewable energy and oil and gas, offering unmatched flexibility and efficiency. With Kongsberg Maritime’s cutting-edge technology, we are once again delivering vessels that lead the industry forward.”
The vessels will be constructed by CMHI in Shenzhen, China, with delivery scheduled for the summer of 2027. They will operate in both the renewable energy and oil and gas sectors, featuring technologies designed to significantly exceed the requirements of the Paris Agreement. The UT7623 SEV vessels are methanol-ready dual fuel, for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Per Kristian Furø, Sales Director Kongsberg Maritime, said: “We are excited to deliver the UT7623 SEV vessels to Olympic. These vessels represent the latest offering from our extensive ship design portfolio. They are methanol-ready dual fuel, and have a fully electric propulsion system, setting new benchmarks in the industry for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. This new design exemplifies the qualities of next-generation ships through their innovative design, environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and economic impact. They are vessels that not only meet but exceed the demands of modern offshore operations and will do so with extremely low fuel consumption.”
Image: UT7623 SEV offshore vessels (source: Kongsberg Maritime)