On October 2, Jiangsu Rainbow Heavy Industries announced that its subsidiary, Nantong Rainbow Offshore & Engineering Equipment Co., Ltd. (ROC), had signed a contract with a renowned European shipowner to build eight commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs, including options), further strengthening its position in the high-end offshore vessel manufacturing sector.
The day before ROC announced the order (October 1), Norwegian shipowner Integrated Wind Solutions announced via social media that it had placed an order with Rhenbo Marine for four CSOVs with an option for another four more—Skywalker-class CSOVs.
According to the shipowner, the construction cost for a single vessel of this CSOV is approximately US$74 million; the total cost for the initial four vessels is around US$296 million, with delivery expected between 2029 and 2030. Four optional vessels would be built at the same unit cost, with delivery projected for 2030–2031 should the options be exercised. If all options are exercised, the total cost for the eight new vessels would be approximately US$592 million.
The CSOVs signed in this contract are designed by the internationally renowned Design Company and classified by DNV. From the very source of design, they are anchored to the highest global standards for offshore wind power operation and maintenance operations. As specialized core equipment for offshore wind power operations customized for deep-sea scenarios, these vessels integrate the dual functions of offshore wind power operation and maintenance and offshore engineering construction, offering diverse functions and outstanding practicality, and can comprehensively meet the various operational needs of offshore wind farms.
Looking toward the future trends of green shipping and intelligent operations in the industry, the vessels have achieved multiple forward-looking configurations: equipped with 3D motion-compensated cranes and 20-meter professional boarding gangways, greatly enhancing the safety and convenience of personnel transfer and equipment lifting under complex sea conditions; the entire vessel is reserved with methanol fuel interfaces, and the main generators meet the internationally most stringent Tier III emission standards. In multiple dimensions including crew comfort, green environmental performance, cybersecurity protection, and helicopter takeoff and landing support, the vessel has reached international advanced levels.
This cooperation with the well-known European shipowner is not only a key breakthrough for ROC in the high-end CSOV segment, but also fully demonstrates that the company’s full-process construction capabilities for high-end offshore engineering vessels have been highly recognized by the international market.