Steel cutting of ‘DO Joule’ marks the first milestone for a new four-vessel offshore service fleet scheduled for delivery from 2027.
Deutsche Offshore Schifffahrt (DO) has marked a key construction milestone with the steel cutting for the DO Joule at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, China. The vessel will be the first in a series of next-generation Construction Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (C-CSOVs) ordered by Schoeller Holdings, with three sister ships to be built to identical specifications.
The steel-cutting ceremony was jointly initiated by Johannes Wolters, Managing Director of DO, and Rangel Vassilev, Director of Newbuilding and Special Projects at Columbia Shipmanagement. Columbia Shipmanagement will oversee technical management of the fleet, while DO will serve as developer, operator and commercial manager.
The vessels will measure 96.25m in length with a 20m beam. Delivery of the first unit is scheduled for May 2027, with the remaining vessels to follow at three-month intervals.
Designed by Norwegian design house, Salt Ship Design, this vessel class is tailored for maximum versatility across the offshore energy sector. Its modular concept enables a broad range of above and below water operations throughout the entire project lifecycle—from construction and commissioning to ongoing operations and maintenance.
Technically, the C-CSOVs set new standards. A gangway with the industry’s largest operational envelope enables horizontal access to platforms at heights between 12 and 30 meters above the waterline. The vessels are further equipped with outstanding DP capabilities, a highly precise HiPAP hydroacoustic positioning system, and a 12.4 ton helicopter deck for worldwide offshore deployment.
With a low freeboard and modular railings, the vessels are optimized for installation, maintenance, and repair work, including the deployment of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). They also feature a removable daughter craft system. The enlarged and fully modular working deck offers 800 square meters of unobstructed deck space. The main crane can be reconfigured within 48 hours — between a 50 ton active heave compensated setup and a 10 ton 3D motion compensated mode—enabling a wide operational range and creating synergies with high-end installation and construction vessels.
Accommodations onboard provide a modern and comfortable environment for up to 95 technicians. Hospitality services will be delivered by Columbia Signature, bringing extensive expertise from managing hotel operations on international cruise fleets.
With the steel-cutting of the “DO Joule,” Deutsche Offshore Schifffahrt sends a strong signal for the expansion of modern, efficient, and versatile offshore service capabilities — and positions itself as a provider of innovative specialty vessels for the growing offshore energy sector.
