Sentinel Marine, an offshore support vessel operator based in Aberdeen, UK, is accelerating the expansion of its fleet. The company has signed a newbuild agreement with Jiangmen Shipyard in China to build up to four multi-purpose energy support vessels.

The first confirmed order is for a 65-meter multi-role Emergency Response and Rescue Vessel (ERRV), with three additional vessels as options. This deal will bring Sentinel Marine’s fleet size to 15 vessels, with the first new ship expected to be delivered in Q2 of 2027.

This newly ordered vessel will be built to meet the UK Group B (Option A) ERRV standards, equipped with fast rescue boats and hybrid daughter craft, and also compliant with Dutch and Danish ERRV regulations. In addition to its emergency response capabilities, the vessel is designed with provisions for optional walk-to-work gangways, below-deck storage for supplies, and a battery-hybrid propulsion system, making it suitable for a wide range of emerging offshore markets.

More specifically, the vessel is not only ideal for traditional oil and gas applications but also well-suited for offshore wind, transitional energy support, government projects, carbon capture, and maritime security. This is a typical "multi-role, single-platform" concept, showcasing the next-generation vessel design's high compatibility with market diversity and sustainability.

Rory Deans, CEO of Sentinel Marine, commented:

"This multi-functional energy support vessel—and her future sister ships—represent a critical step in our ‘Blue to Green’ strategy. We aim to ensure reliable offshore services while progressively transitioning toward cleaner and more diversified operations."

Earlier this year, Cyan Renewables, a Singapore-headquartered company specializing in offshore wind, acquired a controlling stake in Sentinel Marine as part of its strategy to expand in the UK offshore market.

Keng Lin Lee, CEO of Cyan Renewables, stated:

“This newbuild investment demonstrates the shared commitment between Cyan and Sentinel to sustainable maritime innovation, and it will strengthen our group’s capabilities across multiple offshore sectors.”

Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving global energy landscape, mid-sized owners like Sentinel are actively pursuing the next growth curve through high-utilization, low-emission vessel designs. Meanwhile, Chinese shipyards are playing an increasingly vital role in turning those visions into reality.