Singapore-based Marco Polo Marine is broaching the changing world of offshore energy with a multi-role offshore support vessel that can be used across different sectors.
Designed ‘for dual-sector operations across offshore wind and oil & gas’ by Norway-based Salt Ship Design, the Commissioning Sevice Operation Vessel Plus, a ‘CSOV-Plus’, reflects a growing push towards vessels that can move between markets.
It’s a sensible approach given recent volatility in both oil and wind sectors.
Whether supporting the complete lifecycle of offshore wind projects, or maintenance and construction activities in oil and gas, the flexible set-up can be optimized for the specific operational profile, says SMST, which has been contracted to supply mission equipment for the vessel.
According to the project partners, both the ship and its integrated systems are intended to prioritise flexibility, ensuring the vessel can be reconfigured as operational requirements evolve.
SMST equipment
The scope of equipment that SMST will supply comprises an Access & Cargo Tower fitted with a motion compensated gangway (Telescopic Access Bridge L2) and a 100t knuckle boom crane, enabling safe and efficient people and cargo transfer to platforms worldwide through the tower’s adjustable landing heights, alongside high‑capacity lifting in demanding offshore conditions.
The modular design allows the crane’s knuckle configuration to be exchanged, enabling future upgrades or configuration changes without replacing the full crane. Whether supporting the complete lifecycle of offshore wind projects, or maintenance and construction activities in oil and gas, the flexible set-up can be optimized for the specific operational profile.
Charlotte Hietkamp, Sales Manager at SMST, said: “Marco Polo Marine’s CSOV Plus sets a new benchmark for multi-mission capability, and we’re proud that our mission equipment will power safe, efficient operations across sectors.”
From the owner’s perspective, the new vessel also builds directly on lessons learned from earlier offshore wind support tonnage. Marco Polo Marine selected its technology partners partly due to prior experience with its first CSOV, Wind Archer.
“Our choice for SMST is rooted in the positive experience with their equipment on our first CSOV, Wind Archer, and the confidence we have in SMST as a partner. Their track record in the equipment aligns with our development, making SMST the right fit for our CSOV-Plus vision,” said Marco Polo CEO Sean Lee.
Taken together, the CSOV-Plus concept reflects a broader shift in offshore vessel strategy: away from highly specialised, single-purpose ships and toward multi-mission platforms designed to retain value across both offshore wind and traditional energy sectors.
The vessel’s design – centred on flexibility, lifecycle and cross-sector deployment – highlights how owners are responding to an uncertain fuel and market scenario by building tonnage that can adapt over decades of service.
