Taiwan’s U-Ming Marine Offshore and Singapore-headquartered offshore energy maritime services firm Purus have formed a new joint venture aimed at expanding offshore wind operations in Taiwan and the region.

The new joint venture, named UPO Holdings, has ordered two VARD 419 CSOVs, each 88 m long and designed explicitly for operations off Taiwan. Deliveries of the vessels are scheduled to begin in 2027.

The vessels will be equipped with all-electric walk-to-work, enhanced DP2 dynamic positioning, hybrid propulsion systems to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency, as well as accommodation for up to 120 personnel.

“Together, we are not only launching vessels; we are initiating an effort to promote green energy adoption and demonstrate that U-Ming, Purus, and FEG are dedicated to leading the transformation and modernisation of Taiwan’s energy sector and beyond,” said Jeff Hsu, Chairman of UPO.

The JV will help Taiwan reach its offshore wind targets. Taiwan’s goal is to reach 5.7GW of offshore wind capacity by the end of 2025.

The offshore wind target was extended in 2019 to 10GW between 2026 and 2035, and again in 2021 to 15GW by 2035. At the end of 2024, offshore wind capacity totalled 2.5GW.