Gondan Shipbuilders Orders Hybrid Tug Propulsion Units
The new propulsion setup allows fleet owners to balance fuel-efficient electric modes with high-power diesel requirements.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Construction
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Gondan Shipbuilders has contracted Steerprop to supply dual-end propulsors for two hybrid-capable offshore tugs currently under construction for Østensjø Rederi. The vessels, designed with 150-tonne bollard pull capabilities, are built to the ST933 naval architecture.
Why it matters
The integration of dual-end propulsion systems enables operators to switch between diesel-electric and high-power diesel modes, optimizing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility for offshore tug services. This configuration supports the industry-wide shift toward hybrid-capable maritime assets.
The project involves the construction of 2 hybrid-capable offshore tugs, each engineered for a 150-tonne bollard pull capacity. The exact project valuation remains unknown, as does the timeline for completion following the integration of the dual-end propulsors.
The players
Gondan Shipbuilders
A Spanish shipbuilding firm specializing in the construction of specialized maritime vessels.
Steerprop
A Finnish manufacturer of propulsion systems for the global maritime industry.
Østensjø Rederi
A Norwegian maritime services company operating a fleet of offshore and specialty vessels.
Skipsteknisk
A naval architecture firm focused on the design of offshore, fishing, and research vessels.
Kongsberg Maritime
A global technology company providing systems for the maritime, offshore, and subsea markets.
The details
Steerprop’s dual-end propulsors function by allowing two distinct power sources to connect and operate simultaneously within the drivetrain. This setup lets the tugs utilize efficient diesel-electric modes for standard operations while engaging full diesel power for high-intensity requirements, such as maintaining DP2 dynamic positioning. Gondan Shipbuilders is executing the build using the ST933 naval architecture developed by Skipsteknisk.
Timeline
19-20 May 2027: TUGTECHNOLOGY '27 industry conference in Rotterdam.
Market Landscape
This project utilizes the ST933 naval architecture, a design template increasingly favored for high-performance offshore support vessels. The deal follows a pattern of consolidation in the maritime tech sector, as seen with Kongsberg Maritime’s ongoing acquisition of Steerprop.
Operators should monitor the performance of dual-end propulsors in hybrid-capable vessels to determine if this configuration justifies the capital expenditure for their own fleets. Assessing the reliability of such propulsion systems under DP2 conditions is critical for maintaining project uptime in demanding offshore environments.
The takeaway
Hybrid-capable tug designs are setting a new standard for fuel efficiency in high-pull operations by allowing for tiered power utilization. Fleet managers should evaluate the operational lifecycle benefits of these systems versus traditional diesel-only models when drafting new procurement requirements.
Further reading
For more on industry-wide developments, visit the Construction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Riviera.
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