Staffordshire afloat in Vigo, Spain. Fit-out, including installation of its battery systems, will continue at Armon Shipyard. Credit: Bibby Marine
Bibby Marine launched its new first-of-a-kind electric commissioning service operation vessel (eCSOV) at Armon Shipyard in Vigo, Spain, on Saturday 10 October, marking a major milestone in the vessel’s journey from concept to reality.
The vessel, which will carry the name Staffordshire, entered the water at an event attended by members of the Bibby family and senior Bibby Line Group representatives. The launch represents a landmark achievement not only for Bibby Marine, but also for the future of sustainable offshore operations.
Guests gathered at the shipyard to witness the moment as Alice Bibby, a member of the Bibby family, cut the ceremonial rope and the vessel entered the water for the first time. Representatives from Bibby, project partners and members of the Bibby family joined together to celebrate the achievement and recognise the contribution of everyone involved in bringing the industry-leading vessel to life.
Jonathan Lewis, Group CEO at Bibby Line Group, said: “The launch of Staffordshire is a proud moment for Bibby Marine and for everyone who has helped bring this vessel to life.
“This is not just another vessel entering the water; it is a game-changing step towards cleaner, smarter and more efficient offshore operations. It shows what can be achieved when vision is matched by delivery – bringing together new technology, maritime expertise and a team committed to making change happen.
“I am hugely grateful to colleagues across Bibby Marine, Armon and all our project partners. They should feel real pride in what they have built, and in the impact Staffordshire can have for our customers, our industry and the future of offshore wind.”
A name with deep roots in the Bibby fleet
Staffordshire is a name with deep roots in the Bibby fleet, and this will be the fifth vessel to carry it. The vessel follows ships that sailed in 1894, 1929, 1950 and 1977, each marking a new chapter in the company’s history.
Nigel Quinn, CEO at Bibby Marine, said: “Seeing the vessel in the water is a landmark moment for everyone involved in the project. Bibby has moved with every energy transition since 1807, from wind to steam, coal to oil, and now to battery power, putting the most advanced propulsion available to work, not just the most familiar. It’s exactly what the offshore wind sector needs from its support fleet next.”
Battery-first propulsion
The new eCSOV has been designed to transform wind farm operations by supporting offshore activity with modern capabilities, greater efficiency and improved comfort for those working onboard. The launch in Vigo is another milestone on the vessel’s journey towards entering service.
The eCSOV is designed around battery-first propulsion, with its energy storage system acting as the primary source of power rather than a supplementary one. This distinguishes it from the hybrid-assist designs more commonly used across the sector.
Bibby Marine has partnered with Kongsberg and Corvus Energy on the vessel’s propulsion and battery systems and is working with Stillstrom to develop compatibility for offshore charging.
Bibby Marine estimates that this approach can reduce vessel operating costs by more than 40% in self-charging mode, rising to around 70% once the eCSOV can operate using offshore charging alone.
The project has previously received £20 million in funding from Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI). The eCSOV forms part of a wider industry drive to decarbonise offshore wind support vessels, backed by the continued global expansion of offshore wind capacity.
Next steps
Over the coming months, the vessel will be fitted out at Armon Shipyard, including the installation of its battery systems, ahead of delivery and a formal naming ceremony next year. Further updates will follow as each stage is completed.
Photo: Staffordshire afloat in Vigo, Spain. Fit-out, including installation of its battery systems, will continue at Armon Shipyard.
Credit: Bibby Marine
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