SBM Offshore, Solstad enrich fleet pool with new multi‑purpose installation vessel

Norwegian shipping company Solstad Offshore has joined forces with Netherlands-based SBM Offshore, a provider of the design, construction, installation, and operation of offshore floating facilities, to strengthen its fleet with a new-build multi-purpose deepwater installation and construction vessel.

SBM Offshore and Solstad Offshore have formed a joint venture (JV), which has entered into a letter of intent (LOI) with a selected shipyard to order a new-build next-generation multi-purpose deepwater installation and construction vessel.

This ship, targeted for delivery in the first half of 2029, will support the installation of ocean infrastructure, including floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) units, reflecting the Dutch player’s ambition that ocean infrastructure will contribute to driving a sustainable blue economy.

The company claims that the new installation vessel builds on the operational success of Normand Installer and the existing partnership, combining the firm’s installation expertise with Solstad Offshore’s track record of offshore support vessel operations.

The ship is said to feature an optimized design to install ocean infrastructure in shallow and deepwater areas. When not required for SBM Offshore’s installation projects, the joint venture may charter the vessel to third parties.

The new ship will be owned by a joint venture company in which the Dutch firm 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.

SBM Offshore underlined: “A new vessel will enable us to maintain our full lifecycle EPCIO offering and create additional competitive advantages through improved delivery reliability and the integration of more offshore installation work scopes.

“This will in turn reduce execution risk for our clients and improve predictability of our EPCIO schedule and cost.”

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