A resilient force in UK shipowning, Liverpool-based Bibby Marine has demonstrated its long-term mindset and propensity for innovation by ordering what is claimed to be the world’s first truly zero-emission, electrically-powered commissioning service operation vessel(eCSOV).

After a tendering process that involved a number of yards in the UK and overseas, construction of the ship has been awarded to Astilleros Gondan, on the strength of cost and delivery competitiveness, along with the builder’s proven quality and a track record in bespoke, specialised vessel production, including CSOVs.

Notwithstanding the UK input and the contribution that the nascent, UK-registered asset will make over potentially many years to the country’s maritime industry, the fact that yet another high added-value vessel project for British account is to be fulfilled abroad constitutes something of a reality check for those seeking and advocating the revival of the commercial shipbuilding sector in the UK.