KfW IPEX-Bank: Financing for two new subsea rock installation vessels

• Securing foundations for offshore wind farms
• Protecting underwater infrastructure and contributing to the energy transition

KfW IPEX-Bank has provided financing for two new subsea rock installation (SRI) vessels, primarily tailored for use in the offshore wind industry. The loan is provided jointly with Export Development Canada (EDC) to CSL OWL SRI B.V., an independent marine contractor specializing in subsea rock installation (SRI) services based in the Netherlands.

With a cargo capacity of 17,500 metric tons each and equipped with DP2 dynamic positioning systems, the ships can install rock material in water depths of up to 100 meters. These SRI vessels are capable of handling individual stones weighing up to 450 kg. Rocks are placed precisely on the seabed via a fall pipe with active motion compensation, where they are used to secure foundations for wind turbine structures or to protect cables laid on the seabed from being washed out by currents or mechanical damage.

The ships will be equipped with specialized equipment designed and sourced from the Netherlands. Deliveries for the two vessels are scheduled for August and November 2026, respectively. Both ships will have the ability to operate entirely on methanol from the time of delivery, providing a pathway to zero emission operations.

Aida Welker, Member of the Management Board of KfW IPEX-Bank: "Offshore wind farms are one of the key elements of the energy transition. However, the protection of underwater infrastructure is also becoming increasingly important. We are very pleased to support CSL OWL SRI B.V. in its investment in these important specialised vessels and thus make a further contribution to a functioning offshore wind industry."