CSL OWL, a partnership between the Canadian CSL Group and Dutch company Offshore Wind Logistics (OWL), has launched the first of two purpose-built subsea rock installation (SRI) vessels designed to serve the offshore renewable energy sector.
Rock Star is built to transport and precisely place rock on the seabed, supporting the construction and maintenance of offshore wind projects. With a rock carrying capacity of 17,500t and DP2 dynamic positioning, Rock Star is designed to deliver cost-effective, high-precision rock installation in water depths of up to 100m. The vessel can operate on marine gas oil (MGO) and methanol, providing a pathway toward zero-emission operations.
Purpose-built for operational flexibility, Rock Star features a tremie pipe with active motion compensation for precise rock placement and transport belts capable of handling 60-300kg grading (with the heaviest rock weighing 450kg), along with additional capabilities for installing larger armour rock.
Maarten van der Giessen, CSL OWL CEO, said: “The launch of Rock Star is an exciting moment for CSL OWL and brings us one step closer to putting this new purpose-built capacity to work for the offshore renewable energy sector. Our vessels are designed to bring greater flexibility and cost efficiency to subsea rock installation in and around bottom-fixed wind farms and associated cables. By optimising offshore renewable energy logistics, we aim to help make green energy more affordable.”
Rock Star and her sister vessel will support a range of offshore wind applications, including scour protection, cable burial and protection, and other subsea rock installation work.
Image: Launch of ‘Rock Star’ (source: CSL Group)
