Leading Polish shipbuilder Crist S.A. has awarded Steerprop, the Finnish propulsion experts, to provide a complete propulsion package for DOF’s new Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) being constructed for operations on the Grand Banks off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Vessel operating conditions on the Grand Banks are extremely challenging due to heavy seas, fog and icebergs. This emphasizes the importance of the ship’s propulsion thrusters in maintaining dynamic positioning and facilitating safe and reliable operations. Steerprop’s capabilities in providing this level of efficiency were cited as being important considerations in the contract award.
Juho Rekola, Director Sales and Project Management at Steerprop, said: “This project underlines our strengths and expertise in enabling vessels to cope effectively with challenging operations in demanding conditions. Manoeuvrability is critical in these circumstances, and our fit-for-purpose solutions ensure reliability and safety when it is needed the most.”
The vessel is on order from DOF Group ASA. It is expected to enter service in the first half of 2027. Steerprop’s advanced thruster solutions, with a 100t bollard pull, DP3 capabilities, and Ice Class 1A ratings.
The full scope includes will be two Steerprop SP 50 WD – azimuth thrusters, two SP 25 TT – tunnel thrusters and one SP 20 R – retractable thruster. Steerprop will also provide condition monitoring services and seal wear monitoring for the shaft seals. Deliveries of the equipment to Crist S.A. will commence in summer 2025.
The 110-metre-long vessel, based on the MMC Ship Design & Marine Consulting Ltd. 995L SBC hull design, will be owned and operated by DOF Group ASA, The ship is designed to accommodate 164 personnel.
