Gondan Shipbuilders Selects Steerprop for New Tug Vessels
The shipbuilder is outfitting two hybrid offshore tugs with advanced propulsion units for Norway-based Østensjø Rederi.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Construction
Live Poll
Is hybrid-powered technology a reliable solution for heavy-duty maritime transport in the future?
Gondan Shipbuilders has contracted Steerprop to provide dual-end propulsion systems for a pair of hybrid-capable offshore tugs currently under construction. These vessels are being built for the Norwegian owner Østensjø Rederi and utilize a specialized naval architecture design.
Why it matters
The integration of hybrid-capable systems allows these vessels to switch between efficient diesel-electric power for standard tasks and full diesel power for high-demand operations. This flexibility optimizes fuel usage while maintaining high performance standards for demanding offshore environments.
Gondan Shipbuilders is constructing two hybrid-capable offshore tugs featuring a 150-tonne bollard pull capacity. The design utilizes Skipsteknisk's ST933 architecture alongside dual-end propulsors that connect two independent power sources simultaneously.
The players
Gondan Shipbuilders
A Spanish shipbuilding company responsible for the construction of the hybrid-capable tug vessels.
Steerprop
A Finnish manufacturer of propulsion systems that is currently in the process of being acquired by Kongsberg Maritime.
Østensjø Rederi
A Norway-based shipping company that owns the offshore tugs currently under construction.
Skipsteknisk
A naval architecture firm that provided the ST933 design specifications for the new vessels.
Kongsberg Maritime
A global technology company that is in the process of acquiring the propulsion manufacturer Steerprop.
The details
The vessels feature DP2 dynamic positioning capabilities to support complex offshore operations. Steerprop's technology enables the connection of two power sources, allowing the ships to operate in diesel-electric mode during routine work and transition to diesel engines for maximum pull.
Timeline
19-20 May 2027: TUGTECHNOLOGY '27 industry conference in Rotterdam
Market Landscape
The implementation of Skipsteknisk's ST933 naval architecture represents a broader industry shift toward highly versatile, hybrid offshore vessels. This contract highlights the increasing reliance on specialized propulsion manufacturers to meet the dual demands of fuel efficiency and high-output performance.
For stakeholders and offshore operators, the move toward hybrid-capable tugs signifies a long-term shift toward lower fuel consumption and operational costs. While the technology is high-end, it signals that future maritime infrastructure will prioritize multi-mode capabilities to adapt to fluctuating offshore demands.
The takeaway
Hybrid propulsion systems are increasingly vital for maritime companies looking to balance power requirements with fuel efficiency goals. Shipbuilders are responding to this trend by adopting more complex propulsion configurations that allow vessels to operate more sustainably during standard missions.
Further reading
For more on industry developments, see our coverage on Construction.
Live Poll
Is hybrid-powered technology a reliable solution for heavy-duty maritime transport in the future?
