Spanish shipbuilder Astilleros Gondán has begun construction on the first two walk-to-work vessels in a series of four ordered by Norway's Østensjø Rederi.
The 88- by 19-metre vessels were designed by Salt Ship Design to serve as mother ships for technicians tasked with installing and maintaining offshore wind turbines.
The low-emission vessels will each feature diesel-electric propulsion, an electrically-powered crew transfer system consisting of a gangway and elevator, and a heat recovery system. There will also be accommodations for up to 97 technicians in addition to a crew of 23.
Although designed to be initially fitted with diesel-electric propulsion, the vessels may be configured in future to enable installation of hydrogen propulsion to further reduce emissions.
The vessels will be delivered beginning in early 2022.