Updated: Declaring options, undisclosed owner now has six PSV newbuilds at PaxOcean

Norwegian ship designer Salt Ship Design has confirmed an undisclosed client has declared options to build two more multi-purpose platform supply vessels (MPSVs), increasing its newbuild programme to six vessels at PaxOcean Shipyard.

Based on Salt 101 MPSV designs, each of these vessels will have an overall length of 93 m, beam of 20 m, clear deck area of 1,020 m2, with accommodation for 60. The new vessels are designed to accommodate future installation of a 100-tonne active heave compensation crane or a gangway system.

Salt Ship Design said its client holds options to build four more of the MPSVs at Pax Ocean’s shipyard in Zhoushan, China. The naval architectural firm will deliver the comprehensive design package, including detail design, for the MPSVs.

Salt Ship Design sales director Tor Henning Vestbøstad revealed some additional details of the MPSV designs to OSJ. He noted that the diesel-electric vessels would have a ’Battery Power’ notation, utilising battery power for spinning reserve and peak shaving.

“Another important feature is compliance to the OSV Chemical code, which signifies the design complies to damage stability criteria allowing carriage of more than 1,200 m³ of NLS (Noxious liquid substances) products,” said Mr Vestbøstad.

The first MPSV in the series will be delivered in Q3 2026.

“Since Salt was established back in 2012, we have now delivered design for a total of 25 vessels for oil and gas. Some of them are designed to be versatile within several segments and same for the latest ordered MPSVs where they are prepared for W2W gangway and 60 POB enabling operation also within renewables segment,” he said.