LDA SOVs to be designed by Salt Ship Design and built by ZPMC

Salt Ship Design is a long-time partner of LDA, having previously collaborated with the company on the design of Wind of Change and Wind of Hope.

LDA said the design of the new SOVs, which will be operated on behalf of Vattenfall, leverages more than five years of operational experience, with a focus on maximising operational efficiency, uptime and optimising energy consumption.

The company said the workflow for technicians on board the vessels has also been revisited to further improve safety and efficiency on board.

“Wind of Change was the first hybrid-electric SOV,” said LDA. “The new vessels represent the next generation. 

“Enhanced manoeuvrability is achieved thanks to four azimuth thrusters, together with superior dynamic positioning (DP) performance. 

“The vessels will also feature an advanced gangway system and a 3D motion-compensated crane. Additionally, special attention has been given to technicians and crew comfort, transforming the SOVs into high-standard floating hotels.”

ZPMC is best known for its expertise in port equipment, but has expanded into the offshore vessel sector and delivered heavy-lift vessels, wind turbine installation vessels, cable-laying vessels and subsea construction vessels.

LDA said the new SOVs “will integrate high-end European components, including the gangway system, the DP system and key propulsion line systems, ensuring Tier I performance and reliability.”