Fredriksen's Seatankers tied to OCV newbuilding deal at PaxOcean

On 7 January, PaxOcean announced it had signed contracts for two state-of-the-art offshore construction vessels (OCVs) with an unnamed European shipowner. While the shipbuilder refrained from disclosing the buyer’s identity, shipbroking sources have linked Seatankers to the deal. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2027, and the contract includes an option for two additional units.

This development follows a similar move in 2024, when Seatankers was tied to an order for four OCVs at China’s Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group.

In the same year, PaxOcean secured a major contract for up to 10 vessels from a ’leading’ Greek shipowner. This order involved 5,000-dwt multi-purpose service vessels to be built at PaxOcean’s Zhoushan yard in China, with deliveries expected to commence Q3 2026. Industry insiders have linked Greece-based Costamare’s head Konstantinos Konstantakopoulos to the order.

Advanced features and methanol readiness

The new OCVs are based on the advanced Salt 310 design and will feature cutting-edge technology.

According to PaxOcean, each vessel will measure 123 m in length, with a 1,750-m² cargo deck. They will be equipped with a 250-tonne active heave-compensated offshore crane, DP2 dynamic positioning and provide accommodation for up to 123 personnel.

Additional features include a full-beam hangar for two work-class ROVs, a 1,000-kWh battery energy storage system, and provisions for future carousel installation and moonpool operations.

The vessels are designed with methanol-ready options. Their versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of offshore tasks, including subsea construction, ROV support, and inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) activities, noted PaxOcean.

PaxOcean emphasised the vessels’ role in supporting sustainable energy operations, especially within the growing offshore wind sector. “We are confident these vessels will be instrumental in the energy transition, particularly within the burgeoning offshore wind sector, while also providing essential support for sustainable operations across the conventional and renewable offshore energy markets,” the shipbuilder stated.