Awilco-backed Integrated Wind Solutions (IWS) has added to its offshore wind vessel orderbook in China.

The Oslo-listed company said it has declared options for two walk-to-work commissioning service operations vessels (CSOVs) at China Merchants Industry Holdings.

The deal brings the fleet to six Skywalker-class CSOVs on order there.

IWS said it has also negotiated options for two more vessels.

Delivery of the latest duo will be in the second quarter of 2025.

The ships are costing about €52.5m ($57m) each, the owner added.

About half of this will go to Norwegian export companies providing advanced technology for the units.

“Our fleet will be uniquely positioned for a strong and growing offshore wind market, with the first vessel commencing the charter contract to the Dogger Bank offshore wind farm later this year,” said chief executive Lars-Henrik Roren.

“We see increased interest in our vessels,” he added.

The hybrid CSOVs, designed by Kongsberg Maritime, will be among the first in the industry capable of zero-emission operations.

Biggest batteries

They also feature the sector’s largest-ever battery packs, with solar panels for additional charging, as well as hulls and propulsion designed to increase operability and reduce emissions.

Energy consumption will be 20% lower than comparable CSOVs currently under construction, IWS claimed.

The company has also announced a private placement of new shares to raise up to NOK 350m ($35m).

The price has been set at NOK 33 per share, but the final number to be sold will be determined after bookbuilding closes on Wednesday.

The cash will finance yard payments.

“The company has received significant interest for the private placement during the pre-sounding phase,” IWS said.

Awilco, with a 39.42% stake in IWS, will take a pro-rata allotment, as will QVT Financial, which has 7.71% of the shipowner.