Bibby Marine Signs New Shipbuilding Contract for eCSOV with Armon Shipyard

Bibby Marine has recently announced the signing of a shipbuilding contract with the Spanish Armon shipyard for its innovative electric commissioning service operation vessel (eCSOV). This decision comes after what the UK-based vessel owner described as an amicable parting of ways with the Gondan shipyard in Spain, with which the initial eCSOV contract was signed in the spring of 2024.

The eCSOV, designed in collaboration with UK-based vessel designer Longitude, will feature a cutting-edge battery system alongside dual-fuel methanol engines to enable emissions-free operations.

Equipped with the ability to run solely on battery power for a full day of operations, the vessel’s range will support passage from field to port and back. Additionally, the design of the eCSOV incorporates digitalization and AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency throughout its lifespan.

Following the shipbuilding contract with Armon, located in Vigo, Bibby Marine expressed gratitude for the new partnership and the progress of the eCSOV project. The company emphasized the vessel’s role in advancing clean energy solutions within the offshore wind industry.

Nigel Quinn, CEO of Bibby Marine, commented, “We are thrilled to be working alongside our new partners Armon and move to the next stage of our project. The delivery of this vessel will bring our clean vision to life, confident it will mean significant advancements to our industry.”

According to Bibby Marine, the eCSOV represents the world’s first truly zero-emission commissioning service operation vessel, marking a significant milestone in environmental sustainability within the maritime sector.

Armon CEO, Laudelino Alperi, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The complexity of the eCSOV underscores its importance, not only as a technological challenge but as a statement of commitment to a cleaner and greener future. At Armon, we have been deeply focused on developing solutions that significantly reduce emissions, and this vessel allows us to further demonstrate the expertise we have built in this critical area.”

The eCSOV project is part of the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) scheme, funded by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Innovate UK. This initiative is part of the Department’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) program, aimed at driving decarbonization efforts within the UK domestic maritime sector.