State-owned and Mumbai-listed Cochin Shipyard Ltd. is currently engaged in the construction of two zero-emission Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) for H.M. Pelagic Partners Ltd., a Cyprus-based alternative investment fund manager. This contract, valued at over ?350 million, also includes provisions for four optional ships.

This marks Pelagic Partners' inaugural order following its foray into the offshore wind segment with the establishment of the 'Pelagic Wind Fund,' its third fund. Additionally, Pelagic Partners has established Pelagic Wind Services (PWS) to serve as the exclusive commercial and technical manager for its offshore wind supply vessel fleet.

Norwegian company Kongsberg Maritime has secured a NOK 300 million contract from Pelagic Wind Services to provide advanced vessel design and equipment for the two new CSOVs being constructed at Cochin Shipyard. Kongsberg Maritime, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kongsberg Gruppen, in which the Norwegian government holds a majority share, is renowned for its UT 5520 MH-design, which forms the basis for the purpose-built CSOVs.

The vessels, christened 'Pelagic Walu' and 'Pelagic Wahoo,' are anticipated to be delivered in 2025 and 2026, with optional vessels scheduled for 2026 and 2027. Designed for service operations during the commissioning and operation of offshore wind parks, these vessels boast advanced dynamic positioning systems and a wide operational window to optimise efficiency in challenging weather conditions.

Notably, the CSOVs are equipped with dual-fuel engines and hybrid propulsion systems, enabling zero-emission capabilities. The vessels prioritise environmental sustainability while providing superior onboard facilities, including accommodations comparable to high-end hotels, recreational amenities, motion-compensated walk-to-work gangways, and advanced software packages for decision support and forecasting.

Pelagic Partners anticipates positioning itself as a key player and trusted partner in the offshore wind industry through this venture. Meanwhile, Kongsberg Maritime has inaugurated a new facility in Kochi, underscoring its commitment to enhancing customer support and fostering strategic partnerships in line with India's 'Make in India' initiative. This move is seen as a positive step towards strengthening business ties between Norway and India, leveraging the expertise of Cochin Shipyard, and bolstering the maritime ecosystem in Kochi.