Spanish yard Gondan has signed a contract with Norwegian shipowner Østensjø Rederi to build a new offshore tugboat, which will be the most powerful in the owner’s towage fleet.
Delivery of the vessel, whose operation will be guaranteed by Spanish shipbuilding organisation Pymar, is scheduled for the first quarter of 2028. With a length of 50m, a maximum beam of 17m, and a bollard pull of 150t, the new tugboat is designed to handle the most demanding offshore operations, combining thrust capacity, manoeuvrability, and precision, thanks to the DP-2 dynamic positioning system. In addition, it has an innovative configuration that allows it to perform towing manoeuvres from both the bow and stern using a single high-power, high-performance combined winch.
Based on the Skipsteknisk ST-933 design, the vessel will incorporate a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system and will be ready to operate with methanol fuel, reinforcing the joint commitment of Østensjø Rederi and Gondan to more efficient solutions with less environmental impact.
The project focuses on the well-being of the crew, with high-standard accommodation for 14 people and special care taken to reduce noise and vibrations. This will be achieved by integrating permanent magnet rim drive manoeuvring propellers, which have very low noise emissions and guarantee a comfortable working environment even in adverse sea conditions.
This new contract is part of a collaborative relationship spanning more than 20 years between Gondan and Østensjø Rederi, during which time the shipyard has built 21 vessels for the Norwegian shipowner. This track record reflects the mutual trust and commitment of both companies to offshore vessels with high added value, technological innovation, and construction quality.
Image: Gondan will build a new green offshore tug for Østensjø (source: Astilleros Gondan)
