Siem doubles subsea fleet with $300m Chinese newbuild order
Norwegian operator books two 145 m vessels with 400-tonne cranes for delivery in 2029 and 2030.
Norwegian offshore services provider Siem Industries has finalized an order for two advanced subsea construction vessels (SCVs) at China’s Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding. The newbuilds are scheduled for delivery in 2029 and 2030, reinforcing the company’s long-term expansion plans in the offshore energy sector.
The vessels will have dimensions of 145 meters in length and 27 meters in width, positioning them among the larger units in Siem’s fleet. Each will be equipped with a 400-tonne active heave-compensated subsea crane, designed to operate in challenging marine conditions, alongside a secondary 50-tonne crane for lighter tasks.
Technical specifications and design: subsea construction vessels
The design was developed by Norwegian naval architecture firm Sirius Design & Integration, in collaboration with Siem and the Chinese shipyard. The project emphasizes operational flexibility and energy efficiency, aligning with the demands of modern subsea construction and offshore energy projects.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Earlier disclosures from Sirius revealed that the design includes launch-and-recovery systems for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), as well as provisions for additional equipment such as a carousel and a vertical lay system, enhancing the vessels’ versatility.
Strategic fleet development
The new vessels will complement Siem’s existing assets, including the Siem Stingray, a 2014-built construction vessel featuring a 250-tonne subsea crane and two work-class ROVs. The expansion reflects the company’s response to growing demand in offshore energy operations, spanning traditional oil and gas sectors as well as emerging renewable energy projects.
Siem initially announced the order in August, though at the time it did not disclose the shipyard or full technical details. The confirmation of Fujian Mawei as the builder and the release of specifications now provide clarity on the scope of the investment.
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