Bibby Marine is pleased to announce the signing of a shipbuilding agreement with Gondan to construct the world's pioneering electric Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (eCSOV), representing a truly zero-emission solution.

Construction of the eCSOV will take place at Gondan’s Asturias shipyard in Spain, with delivery anticipated in 2026.

Following an extensive tendering process encompassing numerous shipyards both in the UK and abroad, Bibby Marine opted for Gondan Shipbuilders due to their exceptional proposal, which excelled in terms of schedule, budget, and craftsmanship. Gondan's demonstrated expertise in constructing tailored, specialized vessels further solidified their selection to construct this groundbreaking vessel.

Designed collaboratively with UK-based ship designers Longitude, the eCSOV will integrate a robust battery system alongside dual-fuel methanol engines to enable emissions-free operations. It will be outfitted with cutting-edge mission equipment, a spacious insulated warehouse, and a climate-controlled electrical store. Prioritizing crew comfort, the vessel will offer premium accommodation with ample communal areas and comfortable cabins. High-voltage offshore charging facilities will facilitate rapid recharging for zero-emission operations. With the ability to operate solely on battery power for over 16 hours between charging cycles, the vessel is optimized for efficient field operations, guaranteeing superior fuel efficiency and establishing a new industry standard.

Nigel Quinn, CEO of Bibby Marine, expressed, "This marks an exciting progression for our project, and we are thrilled to have partnered with Gondan Shipbuilders, who will help actualize our vision for sustainability."

"Gondan's century-long expertise in shipbuilding, coupled with their recent focus on constructing vessels for a low/no carbon future, closely aligns with our own historical trajectory and vision. This made them stand out as the ideal partner to help us realize our eCSOV project."

He further commented, "Being a UK-owned company, we are proud that this vessel will be the inaugural CSOV designed in the UK and registered under the UK flag. We remain committed to collaborating with our well-established supply chain and local academic institutions to actively involve UK shipyards and facilitate ongoing learning throughout the project. Our aim is for this initiative to contribute to the UK's aspiration to lead the global green technology sector."

"The arrival of this vessel could revolutionize our industry, hastening our journey towards achieving net-zero emissions while highlighting the pinnacle of maritime innovation. This endeavor will illustrate that environmentally-friendly ships can be constructed with equivalent total cost of ownership to conventional fossil-fueled vessels, alongside notably diminished operating expenses."

Daniel Scavuzzo, Sales Director at Gondan Shipbuilders, expressed, "We are thrilled to embark on this venture with Bibby Marine, a leader in offshore wind and dedicated to decarbonizing the maritime industry. This project aligns seamlessly with our proficiency in zero-emission technologies."

Jonathan Lewis, CEO of Bibby Line Group, remarked, "As a family-owned enterprise, we take pride in our ability to adopt a long-term outlook."

"After the group's restructuring in 2020, substantial investment in our streamlined portfolio of core enterprises has led to enhanced group performance, enabling us to pave the way for future expansion and firmly positioning Bibby at the forefront of our respective sectors."

He further remarked, "I am pleased to announce our investment in cutting-edge green technology within the maritime industry, a sector in which we have been active for over 200 years. This investment is made feasible by the commitment and expertise of the talented individuals at Bibby Marine and across the wider Bibby Line Group."

This endeavor is a component of the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) program, supported by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and administered by Innovate UK. ZEVI forms a segment of the Department's UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) initiative, a £206 million endeavor aimed at advancing the technology essential for decarbonizing the UK's domestic maritime sector.