On May 14, India’s state-owned Cochin Shipyard announced a contract with a European client for the design and construction of one hybrid service operation vessel (SOV) with an option for two more SOVs, expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.
According to a Cochin Shipyard filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange, the new SOVs will be equipped with an innovative hybrid battery systems that are expected to set new standards in terms of energy efficiency while significantly reducing the carbon footprint. It has been designed and built to meet the high demand for sustainable energy solutions in the European market and the service, maintenance and operational needs of the offshore wind farm industry.
It is understood that the above order is the second SOV order announced by Cochin Shipyard this year. On January 31, Cochin Shipyard announced a contract with a European customer for the construction of 1+1 SOV for the offshore wind renewable energy market.
The order is worth Rs 500 crore and is scheduled for delivery in 2026. Designed by Norwegian ship design company VARD AS, the SOV is designed for the offshore wind power industry and can accommodate 54 technicians and crew.
In addition to the SOVs contracts, Cochin Shipyard also announced in April this year that it had signed a Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) with the U.S. Navy, meaning that Cochin Shipyard is eligible to repair ships belonging to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command.