The offshore vessel market is tightening—but not uniformly—and 2026 campaigns will reward teams that read the signals early.

First, DP2 is becoming the default, not a nice-to-have. Construction support, cable lay spreads, and rig moves are leaning toward DP2 AHTS with serious bollard pull and modern winch packages. The result: early block bookings and fewer “good enough” substitutes. Operationally, specify DP class, minimum BP, and deck/wire inventory up front, and consider option periods to protect weather slippage. That reduces re-tenders and standby risk.

Second, CTV scheduling has become a math problem, not a phone tree. Crew change rules, speed limitations, and tighter metocean windows are pushing ports-of-call logic and battery-hybrid choices to the foreground. Teams that cluster worksites and lock day/night-capable CTVs with proven turnaround times see fewer lost hours. Hybrid CTVs shine on short, repeat transits where stop–start efficiency compounds across a campaign.

Third, data transparency is rewriting bid lists. More charterers now ask for CO₂ per nautical mile and per tonne moved, plus verifiable AIS-backed transit plans. Owners with clean emissions reporting and HVO or methanol-ready pathways are winning on total cost when you price fuel, time, and reputational risk together.

Takeaway: book earlier, specify smarter, and let real data minimize transit miles.

If you’d like to discuss your offshore projects, reach us anytime at sales@seavium.com.