Bibby Marine has launched its electric commissioning service operation vessel (eCSOV) at Armon Shipyard in Vigo, Spain. The vessel will be named Staffordshire, the fifth ship in the company’s fleet to carry the name, following vessels launched in 1894, 1929, 1950 and 1977.
The eCSOV is designed around battery-first propulsion, with its energy storage system serving as the primary power source rather than supplementing conventional propulsion. Bibby Marine is working with Kongsberg and Corvus Energy on the propulsion and battery systems, and with Stillstrom on compatibility with offshore charging.
According to Bibby Marine, the design could reduce vessel operating costs by more than 40% when self-charging, and by around 70% when operating solely with offshore charging. The project has received £20 million in funding through the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) programme.
Over the coming months, the vessel will undergo further outfitting at Armon Shipyard, including installation of its battery systems. Delivery and a formal naming ceremony are planned for 2027.
