Gondan Shipbuilders of Spain has signed a new contract for the construction of an offshore tug for Østensjø Rederi, based on the Skipsteknisk ST-933 design and a sister vessel to a tug ordered in November 2025 by the Norwegian shipowner.
Measuring 50m in length, with a maximum beam of 17m and a bollard pull of 150t, the new tug has been designed to operate in demanding offshore environments. Its DP-2 system provides precision and manoeuvrability, whilst an innovative configuration allows for towing operations from both the bow and the stern using a single, high-powered combined thruster.
The project incorporates advances in efficiency, sustainability and flexibility. The tug will feature a hydrodynamic design optimised using advanced computational simulation tools, a hybrid architecture with a DC electrical distribution network, and provision for the future use of methanol as a fuel. This configuration will enable the operating mode to be adapted to the vessel’s actual load profile, reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and facilitate future integrations such as batteries or fuel cells, without the need for major structural modifications. All of this makes the vessel a compact, versatile and efficient solution for towing, escort and offshore support operations.
This new contract marks the 23rd vessel built for Østensjø, consolidating a long-standing relationship based on collaboration, trust and the development of high value-added projects.
Image: Skipsteknisk ST-933 tug design (source: Astilleros Gondan)
