en.Wedoany.com Reported - Holland Shipyards Group and Chevalier Floatels BV have completed sea trials for the newly converted construction support vessel CF Formidable. The 110-meter DP2 construction support vessel underwent a series of performance and system tests in June, achieving a speed of 16.7 knots during the trials, exceeding the owner's performance expectations. Chevalier Floatels BV stated that no major technical issues arose during the trials. The vessel has returned to the dock for final outfitting before being deployed for offshore operations.

For newly built or extensively converted offshore vessels, this phase is a critical step in verifying the vessel's engineering and construction performance under real operating conditions. Successful completion of sea trials removes key obstacles to subsequent delivery and commercial deployment. The vessel originally started as an unfinished Oceanic III hull, which was acquired by Chevalier Floatels BV, transported to the Netherlands, and completed by Holland Shipyards Group. The project focused on converting and completing the existing hull into a modern offshore construction support vessel capable of performing various subsea and offshore energy operations. The conversion took place at Holland Shipyards Group's facilities, with Bakker Sliedrecht responsible for integrating and pre-testing the vessel's electrical and automation systems. According to Chevalier Floatels BV, the integration tests prior to sea trials contributed to the vessel's smooth performance during its first autonomous voyage. Company representatives stated that the vessel maintained a comfortable state throughout demanding maneuvering and technical tests, reflecting both the design quality and the installation workmanship in the conversion project.

CF Formidable is designed as a multi-purpose offshore construction support vessel. It is equipped with a 150-ton active heave-compensated subsea crane, spacious deck area, and accommodation for 140 personnel (compliant with the 2008 SPS Code). The DP2 dynamic positioning system enables the vessel to maintain precise station-keeping during offshore construction and subsea operations. Other features include an IMO Tier III compliant propulsion system and battery energy storage technology, aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing emissions. Holland Shipyards Group previously stated that the vessel is suitable for offshore construction, walk-to-work projects, cable repair, trenching, and other subsea support activities. Following successful sea trials, the vessel has returned for final completion work, including the installation of charter-specific equipment and deck cargo. Chevalier Floatels BV indicated that the next phase will involve deepwater subsea crane testing, after which the vessel will commence commercial operations.

Earlier this year, Chevalier Floatels BV announced that CF Formidable, after final preparations, is expected to sail to Nigeria to support offshore operations for Marine Platforms and Chevron in West Africa. The vessel was officially named at a ceremony in the Netherlands before proceeding to Rotterdam for sea trial preparations. For Holland Shipyards Group, this project adds an offshore conversion track record, demonstrating the demand for transforming existing offshore assets into modern support vessels. The project also highlights a trend in the offshore industry: shipowners increasingly extend the commercial life of existing hulls through comprehensive conversions. Such projects can shorten construction cycles while delivering vessels equipped with the latest offshore handling systems, dynamic positioning technology, and environmental compliance features. With sea trials completed and only final commissioning remaining, CF Formidable is transitioning from a shipyard project to an operational offshore asset, joining Chevalier Floatels BV's fleet for subsea construction and offshore energy support work.