Energy
Siem selects Huisman for Chinese-built vessel cranes
Siem Industries has contracted Huisman to supply specialized cranes for two offshore support vessels under construction in China.
Key points
- Huisman will provide 400mt knuckle boom and 50mt auxiliary cranes.
- Equipment manufacturing is taking place in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province.
- The vessels measure 145 metres by 27 metres.
What happened
Siem Industries has chosen equipment manufacturer Huisman to provide heavy-lift machinery for a pair of offshore support vessels currently being built in China, according to Offshore Energy reporting.
Under the formal agreement, Huisman is scheduled to manufacture two 400-metric-tonne knuckle boom cranes equipped with below-deck winches. Additionally, the delivery package includes two 50-metric-tonne auxiliary cranes featuring deepwater operational capabilities.
Production of these lifting systems is underway at Huisman's manufacturing facility located in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province. Technical specifications for the larger units include hook travel reaching up to 3,000 metres, a high-lift configuration for elevated heavy loads, and full single-fall capacity rated at 400 metric tonnes.
David Roodenburg, Chief Executive Officer of Huisman, stated in the source reporting that his enterprise values the enduring partnership with Siem and appreciates their continued trust.
Construction of the two carrier platforms is progressing at Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding in Fuzhou. Each vessel will feature a length of 145 metres and a beam of 27 metres to accommodate heavy maritime assignments.
Why it matters
Investments in specialized offshore support vessels reflect ongoing capital allocation in maritime energy infrastructure. High-specification support ships are critical for complex subsea installation, maintenance, and construction tasks across global oil and gas basins.
This procurement activity occurs against a backdrop of elevated commodity markets. According to US Energy Information Administration data, the Brent spot price reached 123.1 US dollars per barrel on 27 October 2026. Robust crude pricing historically incentivises exploration and production companies to commission new maritime assets to support deepwater developments.
For African and Nigerian energy stakeholders, the expansion of the international offshore fleet highlights global equipment standards and supply chain dynamics. Deepwater projects require precise logistical support, and advancements in crane technology directly influence the safety and efficiency of complex offshore operations. Regulators and operators monitoring vessel deployment trends gain vital insight into how specialized equipment availability shapes project timelines in deepwater environments.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
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Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
