Bibby Marine, a UK-based operator of Service Operation Vessels (SOVs), has celebrated a significant milestone with the keel laying ceremony for its first hybrid-electric Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (eCSOV). The event took place at Armon Shipyard in Vigo, Spain, and marks the formal beginning of construction.
The vessel will feature an advanced propulsion system combining batteries with dual-fuel methanol engines. Designed to operate entirely on battery power for a full day, the eCSOV will also have the capability to recharge directly from offshore wind farms, enhancing its environmental credentials and operational efficiency.
Jonathan Lewis, CEO of Bibby Line Group, emphasized the importance of the occasion, describing it not just as a construction milestone but as a powerful declaration of intent. He highlighted the vessel’s role in setting a new benchmark for offshore operations and advancing the maritime industry’s journey toward net-zero emissions.
Scheduled for delivery in 2027, the eCSOV will play a critical role in supporting the commissioning and ongoing operations of offshore wind farms, reinforcing Bibby Marine’s commitment to sustainable innovation in the sector.
