Solstad Offshore and SBM Offshore have awarded Kongsberg Maritime a contract to supply an end‑to‑end technology package for their forthcoming multipurpose deepwater installation and construction vessel. The ship, which will be constructed in China, is positioned as the next generation of offshore assets capable of handling complex mooring, subsea construction and heavy‑duty operations.
Scope of the integrated solution
The Norwegian supplier’s remit covers everything from deck machinery to power management. Anchor‑handling winches, shark jaws and tow pins are sized for chains up to 220 mm, while a newly developed low‑tilt ROV launch and recovery system will support subsea work. Dynamic positioning (DP), thruster control, navigation, bridge and automation systems are also part of the package, creating a coordinated suite that links propulsion with deck operations.
Offshore Engineer notes that Kongsberg’s power and energy offering includes switchboards, generators, propulsion motors and a battery energy storage system. The propulsion layout features twin controllable‑pitch propeller (CPP) shaftlines complemented by azimuth thrusters to boost bollard pull, together with rudder systems and a complete thruster package.
Technical milestones
A standout element is the first delivery of anchor‑handling winches powered by Kongsberg’s in‑house permanent magnet motor, the XT140. Marine Link highlights that this motor represents a significant technological step, enabling integrated control with the vessel’s energy, automation and DP systems. The integration is intended to stabilise operations during demanding anchor‑handling tasks and allow intelligent power prioritisation for mission‑critical functions.
Project timeline and build location
The vessel is slated for delivery in the first half of 2029, according to Hellenic Shipping News. Construction will take place at a Chinese shipyard, though the specific yard has not been disclosed in the available excerpts.
Kongsberg Maritime President Lisa Edvardsen Haugan commented that “the contract highlights the strength of our integrated offering and our long‑standing partnerships across the offshore sector,” emphasizing how combined energy management, propulsion and advanced deck machinery can deliver safer and more efficient operations.
What this means for operators
For ship owners and charterers, the fully integrated suite promises reduced installation time and lower life‑cycle costs through tighter coordination between power generation, DP control and deck equipment. The inclusion of a battery storage system offers flexibility in managing peak loads, potentially cutting fuel consumption during high‑power phases such as anchor handling or ROV deployment. Moreover, the XT140‑driven winches set a new benchmark for reliability under extreme conditions, which could translate into higher availability rates for offshore construction campaigns.