Asturias to launch the Edda Fjord, its largest offshore support vessel

This Thursday afternoon, the Edda Fjord—a 120-meter vessel built for offshore energy work—will be launched at the Figueras shipyard in Asturias. The event is a major step for Gondán and a sign of how Spanish shipbuilding is adapting to the demands of the maritime energy sector.

About 400 people have worked on the project, making it one of the largest undertakings in the region. The Edda Fjord was commissioned by Norwegian company Østensjø Rederi and is designed to support offshore wind farms, lay and repair submarine cables, and transport crews to marine installations. Its hybrid propulsion, battery systems, and heat recovery technology are meant to reduce energy use and emissions. Local media, including LNE and La Voz de Galicia, report the launch is set for 10 September 2026, between 15:30 and 16:00, timed with the tides in the Eo estuary. This is the largest vessel Gondán has built in over a century of operation.

The ship measures 120 meters long and 23 meters wide, with accommodation for 173 people, though some sources, including La Voz de Galicia, mention slightly higher numbers. The reason for the difference is not clear in official documents, but the vessel's size is not in doubt: it will stand over 40 meters tall and is among the largest Gondán has ever built. Recent reports suggest the ship could carry up to 180 people, reflecting updates in its design.

Logistics and delays

The launch, planned for 16:00 on 10 September 2026, has already faced delays. It was originally scheduled for July but was pushed back to avoid the busy summer boating season and to match the right tides. Dredging in the Figueras channel has continued up to the last minute to ensure enough depth for the launch. Weather or technical issues could still cause changes, but there is strong interest on both sides of the Eo estuary. As Puente de Mando notes, last-minute adjustments are common for launches of this scale.

The launch does not mean the Edda Fjord is ready for service. Delivery to Østensjø Rederi is expected in the second half of 2027, after months of outfitting and testing. This phased approach is standard at Spanish yards like Navantia, where ships often float for months before final systems are installed and sea trials begin.

Economic impact and workforce

The project is backed by a guarantee line of over 125 million euros from CaixaBank, announced in October 2024. This secures the contract but does not represent the vessel's final price. Gondán estimates about 400 workers will be involved throughout the build, though this includes all phases and does not mean 400 new jobs. The contract continues a long partnership between Gondán and Østensjø Rederi, now totaling 23 vessels. According to LNE, the project is seen as both an industrial and symbolic milestone for Asturias, strengthening the region's role in green shipbuilding.

Gondán is also investing 15 million euros to expand and modernize its facilities, aiming to keep its order book full through 2030. Current projects include four 70-meter patrol boats for Indonesia, two research vessels for the German government, and three passenger catamarans for Sweden. The Edda Fjord, known internally as Gondán Max, is the flagship of this new phase.

Strategic significance

The Edda Fjord’s launch is more than a local event. It shows Spain’s growing role in the offshore energy supply chain and highlights the technical abilities of regional shipyards. As the vessel enters the water, Gondán is positioning itself as a key player in the shift to cleaner maritime operations, drawing on both international partnerships and local expertise.

With the Edda Fjord, Gondán is delivering more than a ship. The scale of investment, the complexity of the project, and the international collaboration all point to a sector that is changing rapidly. For Asturias, this launch brings together industrial ambition and global relevance on the banks of the Eo.