Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has decided to jointly own two Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) with Schoeller Holdings Ltd., a Cyprus-based global shipping company, with delivery scheduled in 2027.
MOL has also decided to make an investment in Deutsche Offshore Schifffahrt, a Germany-based offshore energy vessel developer and commercial operator, which will operate the vessels. Through this project, MOL will participate in the offshore wind support vessel business in Europe for the first time, following its SOV business in Taiwan.
Offshore wind power is positioned as a key pillar of medium- to long-term energy policy across Europe, supported by strong policy measures. Large-scale offshore wind projects continue to expand in the region, and demand for CSOVs is expected to grow further.
The vessels measure 96.25 meters in length with a beam of 20 meters, and is designed to accommodate up to 120 persons on board each. Built by CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, it is equipped with a Dynamic Positioning System (DPS), as well as a motion-compensated gangway and crane.
In June 2024, MOL announced that its joint venture with Taiwan’s Ta Tong Marine, Ta San Shang Marine (TSSM), had signed a contract with Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards for the construction of a SOV. Upon delivery, the vessel will provide services for offshore wind projects in the Taiwan region. The new vessel will be constructed at Damen Shipyards Vietnam and is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026.