GONDAN Launches Its Largest Vessel Yet for Østensjø Rederi

Spanish shipbuilder GONDAN Shipbuilders has reached a major construction milestone with the launch of a 120-metre Ocean Energy Support Vessel (OESV) for Norway’s Østensjø Rederi. The vessel is the largest ship ever built by GONDAN and is designed to support a broad range of offshore energy operations.

The vessel, identified as C513, was launched at GONDAN’s Figueras facility in Spain. It will now move into final outfitting and sea trials, with delivery planned for late 2027.

Designed by Salt Ship Design, the 23-metre-wide vessel is being developed as a multi-purpose platform for the growing offshore energy sector. Its capabilities will include walk-to-work personnel transfers, support for commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs), offshore construction, subsea installation, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) inspections, as well as subsea cable installation and repair.

A significant part of the vessel’s flexibility comes from its working space. It will have approximately 1,400 square meters of open deck area, including the hangar, while accommodation will be available for up to 173 people.

The propulsion setup reflects the industry's increasing focus on efficiency and operational flexibility. The vessel will use a diesel-electric system with six variable-speed main engines combined with Brunvoll permanent-magnet azimuth thrusters.

Energy flexibility is also built into the design. Battery storage and shore-power capability will be installed, while a Fuel Ready notation provides a pathway towards future use of alternative fuels, including methanol.

The vessel will be constructed to DNV classification standards. For GONDAN and Østensjø Rederi, the project also marks another chapter in a long-running shipbuilding relationship. C513 will be the 23rd vessel GONDAN has built for Østensjø Rederi, with the two companies having worked together for more than two decades.

Why this matters

• Multi-purpose capability: One vessel can support several offshore activities, potentially improving fleet utilization as offshore wind and subsea projects evolve.
• Future fuel flexibility: Battery systems, shore power and Fuel Ready notation give the vessel options to adapt as fuel and emissions requirements change.
• Crew and project capacity: Accommodation for up to 173 people and substantial deck space make the vessel suitable for complex offshore campaigns.
• A sign of industry direction: Diesel-electric propulsion and permanent-magnet thrusters show how offshore vessels are increasingly being designed around efficiency and operational flexibility.

The C513 illustrates how the next generation of offshore support vessels is being designed for versatility rather than a single role. With alternative-fuel readiness and multiple offshore capabilities, it is positioned to remain relevant as the energy sector continues to change.