Busy times: four battery-hybrid offshore newbuilds take shape at Chinese shipyard

Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding is busy with offshore vessel newbuilding activity. In November and December, the Chinese shipbuilder held launching ceremonies for three battery-hybrid offshore vessels, including two offshore construction vessels (OCVs) for Hea Energy and a multipurpose platform supply vessel (PSV) for Capital Offshore, while laying the keel for another PSV for SEACOR Marine. All four newbuilds are due for delivery in 2026.

On 19 December, the shipyard launched an 88-m diesel-electric battery-hybrid PSV for Greek owner Capital Offshore. Part of a series of PSVs for the Greek owner, hull number MW628-7 is based on a Breeze Ship Design, with an overall length of 88 m, a beam of 20 m, and a draught of 5 m, with a clear deck area of 1,000 m² and accommodation for 60.

Propulsion for the DP2-class, diesel-electric vessel will incorporate two rudderpropellers, three bow thrusters and lithium battery hybrid power, providing a design speed of 14 knots.

Built to ABS class, the PSV will be certified to carry hazardous cargo with flash points below 60°C, such as methanol/LDHI. It meets the latest OSV Chemical Code specifications and HAB(W+) comfort requirements. It also features a larger mud tank volume and free deck area than similar PSVs, said the shipbuilder.

With the launch, the construction effort will now transition to dockside outfitting and system commissioning.

Meanwhile, the keel for SEACOR Marine’s diesel-electric battery-hybrid PSV, hull MW628-11, was laid on 10 November. Built to ABS class, it is also a Breeze Z4423 design and has similar specifications to the Capital Offshore PSV. It is one of two 4,650-dwt PSVs ordered under contracts, valued at US$82M by the Houston-based OSV owner in November 2024. Delivery of the first will be in October 2026, followed by the second in January 2027. When the two contracts for the PSV newbuilds were signed, SEACOR Marine held options for four additional vessels.