Allseas Bolsters Offshore Capabilities with Two Methanol-Ready Construction Vessels
Switzerland-based offshore pipeline installation, heavy lift, and subsea construction specialist Allseas has expanded its fleet with two newbuild offshore construction vessels (OCVs), featuring methanol-ready propulsion systems. This strategic move aims to position the company for long-term growth amid a rapidly evolving offshore energy market.
Following a thorough assessment of expansion options, Allseas signed contracts on April 9 with Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group in China to construct the new vessels. The company views this acquisition as a calculated investment to enhance fleet versatility and meet future market demands.
Based on the SALT 308 OCV design, the vessels will incorporate advanced systems and equipment to deliver improved performance, operational flexibility, and functionality. Allseas believes these additions will significantly increase its construction and support capabilities—allowing for more flexible deployment while freeing existing assets for larger, more complex projects.
“Allseas’ Vice President Operations, Dries van Strijp, commented:
‘We recognised a clear need to optimise our vessel deployment to support an increasingly diverse and complex project portfolio. After carefully exploring all available options, it became clear that securing two next-generation newbuilds – fully optimised with the latest technology – was the best long-term solution to strengthen our capabilities and capture new opportunities in a growing offshore market.’”
The new ships are expected to keep Allseas at the forefront of offshore construction and subsea installation. Delivery timelines are set for September 2026 for the first vessel, with the second to follow in December 2026.
Each vessel will be 100 meters long, with a 1,100 cubic meter cargo deck and accommodation for up to 110 personnel. Key onboard features include:
- DP2 dynamic positioning system
- 150-ton active heave-compensated offshore crane
- Hangar with two work-class ROVs
- Hybrid 1,500-kWh battery energy storage system
- Methanol-ready propulsion design for future fuel flexibility
Designed for maximum operational versatility, the vessels are ideally suited for subsea construction, ROV support, and inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) operations.
Allseas states that the additions will enhance its operational flexibility and reinforce its commitment to delivering sustainable, future-ready solutions for the global offshore energy sector.
In related developments, Allseas recently contracted Vallourec to supply line pipes for Petrobras’ deepwater field—Brazil’s second-largest oil field—demonstrating continued momentum in key offshore projects.
