Kongsberg to Equip Solstad and SBM Offshore Deepwater Newbuild
Package includes what is expected to be the world's largest anchor-handling winch
Kongsberg Maritime has won a contract to supply integrated technology and equipment for a new multi-purpose deepwater installation and construction vessel to be owned and operated by Solstad Offshore and SBM Offshore.
The vessel is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2029 and will be built in China. It is designed for complex deepwater installation, subsea construction, mooring installation and other heavy-duty offshore work.
Kongsberg's scope covers dynamic positioning, thruster control, navigation, bridge and automation systems, along with propulsion and power equipment. The package takes in switchboards, generators, propulsion motors and a battery energy storage system.
The vessel will run twin controllable-pitch propeller shaftlines supplemented by azimuth thrusters to raise bollard pull, together with rudder systems and a complete thruster package.
A major element of the award is the deck machinery package, which includes anchor-handling winches, shark jaws and tow pins able to handle chains up to 220 mm. Kongsberg will also supply a newly developed low-tilt launch and recovery system for remotely operated vehicles.
The company said the package will include what is expected to be the world's largest anchor-handling winch, alongside two heavy-duty, active heave-compensated lifting winches. The project will mark the first delivery of anchor-handling winches powered by Kongsberg's internally developed XT140 permanent-magnet motor.
"Mooring installation capability is central to this vessel, and our high-capacity winch systems are designed to deliver exceptional performance, precision and reliability under the most demanding conditions," said Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, president of Kongsberg Maritime.
The winches will be integrated with the vessel's energy, automation and control systems, coordinating deck machinery with propulsion and dynamic positioning during anchor-handling operations. Kongsberg has worked with SALT Design, SBM Offshore and Solstad Offshore on the vessel concept since 2023, and will provide the anchor-handling equipment together with its partner IP Huse.
