Van Oord has exercised an option with The Chinese CIMC Raffles shipyard by signing a construction contract for a second multi-fuel subsea rock installation (SRI) vessel.
This agreement is said to further strengthen the trust built since the two companies’ renewed cooperation from 2021 and to represent another important step forward in their collaboration.
The new-generation SRI vessel will be classed by Bureau Veritas (BV). It has an overall length of 199m, beam of 32.2m, is equipped with DP2 dynamic positioning capability, and offers a rock-carrying capacity of up to 35,000t, enabling efficient execution of large-scale offshore construction projects. The sustainable design of the vessel includes multi-fuel engines (biofuel and methanol), a DC-grid with large battery storage capacity, and an energy-efficient hull design and rock handling system. These technologies will enable a reduction in CO₂ emissions.
In January 2025, CIMC Raffles successfully delivered the WTIV Boreas to Van Oord, which further strengthened mutual confidence. Throughout the cooperation, CIMC Raffles says it has earned strong recognition and trust from the owner through high-precision manufacturing, strict schedule control, and comprehensive lifecycle services. In July 2025, the two parties signed a 1+1 vessel SRI contract, which included an option clause allowing Van Oord to place an additional order within an agreed timeframe. Van Oord has now exercised this option and proceeded with the contract for the second vessel, further deepening the cooperation.
Image: Van Oord subsea rock installation vessels (source: CIMC Raffles)
