LD Armateurs announce that steel cutting for the first of two Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) commissioned by Vattenfall took place on November 27. This event marks the official launch of the vessel’s construction at Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC), a shipyard renowned worldwide for its expertise in custom designs and rapidly expanding in the offshore vessel sector.
The ceremony represents an important moment in a project initiated more than two years ago, following a complex and competitive European tendering process conducted throughout 2024. The management of LD Armateurs and Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries, as well as Bureau Veritas, were present to celebrate this major milestone and the cooperation between the teams.
These SOVs were specifically designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, both in operation and in transit, while ensuring optimal reliability in the challenging conditions of the North Sea year-round. To achieve these objectives, LD Armateurs worked closely with SALT Ship Design, a long-standing partner and recognized leader in offshore vessel design.
The service operation vessels will be equipped with an advanced bridge system and a motion-compensated 3D crane, enabling safe and efficient offshore operations. Exceptional maneuverability will be ensured by four azimuth thrusters combined with advanced dynamic positioning (DP) capabilities. Particular attention has been paid to safety and workflow optimization, guaranteeing technicians the best possible working conditions. Furthermore, the SOVs will offer spacious and comfortable living areas, transforming them into veritable high-end floating hotels for periods of rest.
“Our priority has always been to combine operational excellence with the well-being of people on board. These SOVs will not only offer high-level performance in demanding conditions, but also a safe and comfortable environment for technicians working at sea,” said Gaël Cailleaux, Director of Renewable Energies at LD Armateurs.
“This marks the beginning of a promising and long-term collaboration with ZPMC. We look forward to seeing the ship assembly begin and to continuing our close cooperation with the shipyard in order to successfully meet the challenges of this project,” added Arthur Barret, Director of Engineering, Projects and Innovation at LD Armateurs.
