COC Boosts Offshore Capabilities with Newbuild AHTS Vessel

Why It Matters

The SPA90 AHTS adds high‑power, low‑emission capability to COC's fleet, unlocking access to more complex, higher‑value offshore contracts in a rapidly expanding energy market.

Key Takeaways

• COC's first SPA90 AHTS adds 90‑tonne bollard pull capability
• DP2 and diesel‑electric propulsion enhance operational flexibility
• Vessel expands COC's market reach into complex offshore projects
• Delivery slated for Q4 2026, boosting fleet size to 31 vessels
• Investment aligns with COC's strategy to grow internationally

Pulse Analysis

The offshore support vessel market is entering a growth phase as energy developers seek more capable platforms for deep‑water projects and harsh‑environment operations. Caspian Offshore Construction (COC), a Kazakh‑based marine service provider with a diversified fleet of about 30 vessels, has taken a decisive step by ordering its first SPA90‑class anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) ship. The move reflects a broader industry trend where regional players augment their capabilities to compete for contracts in the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea and the wider Middle East, where offshore wind and oil‑gas projects are expanding.

The SPA90 design brings a 90‑tonne bollard pull, DP2 dynamic positioning and diesel‑electric propulsion, features that markedly improve maneuverability and fuel efficiency. DP2 enables precise station‑keeping during subsea installations, while the hybrid propulsion system reduces emissions and operating costs—a critical advantage as regulators tighten environmental standards. For COC, the vessel, named Caspian Yili, will be its largest platform to date, capable of handling anchor deployment, towage, field support and complex subsea construction tasks that were previously beyond its in‑house capacity.

Strategically, the addition of the SPA90 AHTS positions COC to capture higher‑margin contracts and diversify its client base beyond traditional oil‑gas operators. The vessel’s delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026 aligns with a projected surge in offshore investment driven by regional energy security initiatives and the rollout of offshore wind farms in the Caspian basin. By expanding its technical envelope, COC can offer integrated services, attract multinational charterers, and reinforce its ambition to become a leading offshore marine contractor in Eurasia.