The oil tanker Island Explorer, the second ship built by the Island Offshore group, is currently on its way to Norway to undergo its final completion stages at the Vard Langsten factory. This ship, designed as a hybrid-powered tanker, was launched from the Vard Shipyards Romania on September 17, 2023.
Details of the construction of the oil tanker Island Explorer
In May 2024, Island Offshore placed an order for the construction of its first hybrid tanker named Island Evolution with VARD. Following the success of this project, in August of the same year, it also placed an order for the construction of its second tanker named Island Explorer with VARD. The construction stages of these two tankers, including keel laying, were carried out on different dates; the keel of Island Evolution was laid in May 2025 and the keel of Island Explorer was laid in September 2025.
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The ship Island Evolution, under number NB 977, arrived at the Vard Langsten factory in Norway on July 29, 2025, and is now being prepared for final stages. Currently, Island Explorer, designated as NB 978, is on its way to this factory for further completion and outfitting.
Features and capabilities of hybrid tankers
These two tankers, especially Island Explorer, benefit from the VARD 3 25 design and have a length of 120 meters. These ships are designed for underwater operations such as inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR), pipeline laying, construction and installation of underwater infrastructure, diving support, and providing equipment for remote underwater inspection.
Island Explorer also features an underwater crane with a capacity of 250 tons and DP2 capability, and can accommodate 120 people. These features make this tanker one of the most advanced and efficient vessels in the offshore energy industry.
The delivery of this tanker is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, and it is expected that upon its completion, the Island Offshore group will enhance its capabilities in underwater operations and renewable energy.
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