Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) are specially designed, purpose-built ships that are commonly used for various offshore construction activities.
The intended use of a CSOV will determine its specific size and design, meaning different CSOVs can vary significantly. Yet, all of these vessel types have one thing in common – they are designed to operate in demanding conditions. This makes them ideal for complex offshore energy projects in marine environments, such as offshore wind farms and oil platforms, where the success of the project is heavily impacted by weather conditions.
CSOVs are kitted out with the necessary equipment and technology to monitor and navigate weather-related challenges. This, along with their adaptability and specialised capabilities, makes them the go-to vessel choice for carrying out crucial activities offshore, such as maintenance, repairs, and the delivery of essential equipment.
What are the primary functions of CSOVs?
As we have heard, CSOVs are considered to be crucial for supporting offshore projects – but why? Let’s look at the primary functions of CSOVs:
- Ensuring stability in rough seas and high winds (using dynamic positioning systems and a complex design) so that tasks can be carried out safely and effectively
- Providing accommodation for crew working on long-term projects
- Lifting and handling heavy components during the development and commissioning stages of offshore projects (using special cranes)
- Providing a secure space for tools, materials and equipment needed for complex tasks
- Supporting maintenance tasks by providing onboard inspection and repair facilities
How are CSOVs used in offshore construction projects?
The energy transition is prompting the expansion of the offshore wind market. As such, there is a growing need for vessels which are capable of constructing and servicing offshore wind farms. These vessels need to be large in size, as well as reliable and efficient – and that’s exactly the functionality that CSOVs offer. Let’s look at how CSOVs are used in offshore construction projects, in particular their role in supporting complex operations like wind farm installations and subsea infrastructure development.
In offshore operations, CSOVs are commonly used to:
- Safely transport personnel to offshore sites
- Provide accommodation for offshore personnel
- Support final systems checks during the commissioning phase and ensure the project is ready to start operations
- Carry out inspections, repairs and maintenance with the CSOV acting as a mobile platform
- Transport supplies, materials and equipment to offshore sites needed for installation using on-board advanced lifting technology
What are the advantages of using CSOVs in offshore operations?
- Enhanced safety
Equipped with specially designed safety mechanisms
Safety mechanisms minimise risks associated with challenging offshore environments - Increased efficiency
Lower operational and maintenance costs
Reduced fuel consumption
Lower emissions
State-of-the-art technology assists more efficient management of resources and personnel - More flexibility
Complete lifecycle optimisation
Efficient reporting frameworks for real-time data collection and analysis
Availability of data enables better informed decision making and progress tracking
These versatile platforms can adapt to a range of tasks so they can be used for a variety of initiatives
These benefits make CSOVs invaluable for offshore wind projects. Given the increasing global interest in offshore wind power that we are currently seeing, CSOVs also present a valuable opportunity for vessel owners and operators to maximise profits and grow their business.
What trends are shaping the future of CSOVs?
There are a number of trends shaping the future of CSOVs, including:
- Inflation and the rising cost of raw materials
Inflation, increasing build costs, and supply chain disruptions could result in delays and potentially even the cancellation of offshore projects. Any changes to the number and/or timelines of projects going ahead would have a direct impact on CSOV demand, availability, and pricing. - A booming offshore wind market
Approximately 330 GW of new offshore wind capacity is expected to be installed by 2030. This increased demand means that there will be a sharp increase in the number of vessels required to construct, operate, and maintain these offshore facilities. What does this mean for CSOVs? That we are likely to see a lot more vessels ordered. - Vessel and supply chain challenges
As more attention starts being given to developing commercial-scale floating wind farms, different manufacturing supply chain opportunities and challenges are emerging to those we are used to seeing with bottom-fixed projects. For example, we could soon be seeing a shortage of vessels with suitable cranes and deck space and crew. Any such issues would of course have a direct impact on demand, prices, and newbuild orders for CSOVs.
- Shipping’s fuel transition and a focus on ‘green’ ship design
With increasing emissions regulation and an ever more urgent need to be sustainable, vessel operators understand the importance of decarbonising operations and future-proofing vessels. Having said this, there are still a lot of unknowns about the way in which vessels, such as CSOVs, will evolve in response. Perhaps those building and operating CSOVs will turn to biofuels, hydrogen-based fuels such as methanol, ammonia, or other hydrogen carriers. Or perhaps they will look at multi-fuel internal combustion engines or battery-based hybrid vessels.
How can Clarksons assist with CSOV services?
Clarksons offers market-leading assistance with CSOV services, providing expert support and tailored solutions to meet the needs of the offshore industry. With access to extensive industry data and a deep understanding of market trends, our team of experienced offshore brokers are ideally placed to advise clients on offshore projects of all sizes that require CSOV services.
