CSL OWL SRI, a collaboration between The CSL Group and Offshore Wind Logistics (OWL), has announced the launch of its new dual-fuel subsea rock installation (SRI) vessel, the MV Rock Star. This vessel is designed to operate on both methanol and marine gasoil (MGO), representing a step towards lower-emission operations in the offshore sector. The MV Rock Star is the first of two specialized SRI vessels intended for the burgeoning offshore renewable energy industry.
These vessels, initially ordered in late 2024, are equipped with a substantial cargo capacity of 17,500 metric tonnes and feature dynamic positioning capabilities, crucial for precise operations in challenging marine environments. The introduction of such vessels addresses the growing demand for specialized logistics and installation services required for offshore wind farms and other renewable energy infrastructure.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals involved in project cargo and offshore wind, this development signifies increased capacity and potentially more sustainable options for transporting and installing critical subsea infrastructure. The use of methanol as a fuel aligns with industry efforts to decarbonize maritime operations, which could influence future tender requirements and environmental compliance. While these are specialized vessels, their existence supports the broader growth of the offshore wind sector, which in turn generates demand for various logistics services, including heavy-lift and oversized cargo transport to marshalling ports.
