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Van Oord Orders Methanol-Ready Vessels to Power Net-Zero Subsea Fleet
Van Oord has ordered methanol-ready subsea rock installation vessels in China to advance offshore sustainability and fleet modernization.
Van Oord Commissions Methanol-Ready Subsea Rock Installation Vessels in China
Dutch offshore contractor Van Oord has taken a significant step toward net-zero operations by ordering two next-generation subsea rock installation vessels. Set to be built at the Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore shipyard in China, these newbuilds will expand Van Oord’s subsea fleet with vessels designed for methanol-based propulsion, large rock handling, and high-volume loading capacity of up to 35,000 tons.
According to Van Oord, both vessels will feature a DP2 dynamic positioning system, advanced rock installation capabilities, and multi-fuel engines that support methanol and biofuel. A DC-grid system paired with large-scale battery storage will further optimize energy use and minimize emissions during operations.
This order reflects Van Oord’s broader strategy to modernize its offshore assets in alignment with the energy transition. “Particularly in times when securing critical underwater infrastructure is a priority, this investment is important,” said Maurits den Broeder, Managing Director Offshore Energy at Van Oord. “These new vessels embody our commitment to innovation, safety, sustainability and efficiency.”
The first vessel is expected to join the fleet in 2028, with the second to follow a year later. These additions will complement Van Oord’s existing subsea rock installation fleet, which includes the Stornes, Nordnes, and Bravenes.
Van Oord’s decision to invest in methanol-capable vessels comes at a time when green fuels and hybrid systems are fast becoming the industry standard. Methanol, in particular, is gaining traction as a viable marine fuel due to its lower carbon content and increasing global production capacity.
This move also supports the growing demand for energy infrastructure protection—especially for offshore wind foundations, subsea pipelines, and cable corridors. Subsea rock installation plays a critical role in stabilizing seabed assets and safeguarding them against harsh marine conditions, making purpose-built vessels like these essential in supporting long-term energy security.
For professionals working in subsea operations, offshore construction, and vessel management, the development highlights a growing industry shift toward future-proofed, fuel-flexible fleets. It also signals that sustainability is no longer a side initiative—it’s becoming central to offshore investment strategies.
With energy majors prioritizing low-carbon asset delivery and long-term infrastructure protection, this type of fleet expansion marks a strategic alignment with both client expectations and regulatory momentum.
Van Oord’s announcement comes on the heels of another recent upgrade to its subsea capabilities: the introduction of a new cable burial trencher earlier this year, a development that further demonstrates its commitment to comprehensive, future-ready offshore services.
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