SBM Offshore and Solstad’s installation vessel to sport Kongsberg Maritime equipment

August 31, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract to supply a fully integrated suite of technology and equipment for an offshore installation vessel being built for the joint venture (JV) of Norwegian Solstad Offshore and Netherlands-based SBM Offshore.

Kongsberg Maritime will deliver an advanced deck machinery package which includes anchor-handling winches, shark jaws and tow pins designed for chains up to 220 mm, and a newly developed low-tilt ROV launch and recovery system.

Furthermore, the company’s scope also includes dynamic positioning, thruster control, navigation, bridge and automation systems, together with a comprehensive power and energy package comprising switchboards, generators, propulsion motors and a battery energy storage system. The propulsion configuration will feature twin controllable-pitch propeller (CPP) shaftline propulsion, complemented by azimuth thrusters to enhance bollard pull, as well as rudder systems and a complete thruster package.

Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, President of Kongsberg Maritime, said: “By combining energy management, propulsion, dynamic positioning and advanced deck machinery into one coordinated solution, we enable safer and more efficient offshore operations. Mooring installation capability is central to this vessel, and our high-capacity winch systems are designed to deliver exceptional performance, precision and reliability under the most demanding conditions.”

According to Kongsberg Maritime, the project will also mark the first delivery of anchor-handling winches powered by its XT140 in-house developed permanent magnet motor.

“The winch package includes what is expected to be the world’s largest anchor-handling winch, together with two heavy-duty active heave-compensated lifting winches engineered to handle extreme loads with exceptional precision,” said Runar Hjelle, Head of Sales Offshore Handling at Kongsberg Maritime.

The vessel, being built in China, will be owned by a joint venture company in which SBM Offshore has a 49.9% interest and Solstad Offshore holds a 50.1% stake. While Solstad Shipping will act as ship manager, SBM Offshore will charter the vessel for its own projects. When not required for SBM Offshore’s installation projects, the joint venture may charter the vessel to third parties.

Huisman is delivering the advanced lifting and handling systems. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2029.