Major Update v0.8.7 Now Live - Offshore Operations Begin

Class 4 Service Operation Vessel, Deployable Daughter Craft, Dynamic Positioning & Dedicated Servers

Ahoy Captains,

The wait is over! Major Update v0.8.7 is now available and marks the largest update to Ships At Sea since the start of Early Access.

At the heart of this update is our new Class 4 Service Operation Vessel (IMT 9604) . For the first time, players can deploy and recover daughter craft using fully animated davit systems, operate a Dynamic Positioning (DP2) system, transfer crew with the Z-Bridge Bring-to-Work system, and maneuver using advanced azimuth propulsion. Together, these new systems lay the foundation for future offshore wind farm operations.

This update also introduces Dedicated Servers with support for up to 16 players , allowing communities to build persistent maritime worlds together. In addition, you'll find new towing missions for offshore wind farm components, expanded character customization, a reworked skill tree, redesigned Shipyard and Dry Dock interfaces, and a wide range of new vessel systems and navigation equipment.

Behind the scenes, we've continued investing in the core foundations of Ships At Sea . Update v0.8.7 includes improvements to buoyancy, vessel physics, water simulation, wave foam, lighting, weather effects, multiplayer replication, performance, and overall world immersion.

We've also expanded our audio and animation systems with new vessel engine sounds, ocean ambience, walking sounds, crane audio, NPC animations, and interaction improvements, helping make the maritime world feel more immersive and alive than ever before.

Finally, we're proud to welcome Longitude Engineering, Z-Bridge, and Steerprop as new official partners to Ships At Sea . Their expertise in offshore vessel design, crew transfer systems, and marine propulsion helps us continue our mission of delivering one of the most authentic maritime simulation experiences possible.

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the Public Test and shared their valuable feedback. Your reports and suggestions helped us polish this update for release, and we look forward to hearing what you think as you embark on your next voyage.

Class 4 SOV - Your New Offshore Flagship

At the heart of Update v0.8.7 is the new Class 4 Service Operation Vessel (IMT 9604) —one of the most ambitious vessels we've ever developed for Ships At Sea .

Designed for offshore wind farm operations, cooperative gameplay, and advanced vessel systems, the IMT 9604 introduces an entirely new way to experience life at sea. Serving as a floating offshore operations platform, it combines multiple gameplay systems that encourage teamwork while remaining fully playable in single-player.

Players can:

Operate fully animated davit systems Deploy and recover two daughter craft Operate a Dynamic Positioning (DP2) system Transfer crew using the Z-Bridge Bring-to-Work system Control advanced propulsion with twin azimuth thrusters and a bow tunnel thruster

Whether you're coordinating a crew in multiplayer or operating the vessel alone, the IMT 9604 opens the door to a new generation of offshore gameplay and lays the foundation for future wind farm operations.

Welcome Our New Maritime Partners

We're proud to welcome Longitude Engineering, Z-Bridge, and Steerprop as new official partners to Ships At Sea . Together, they bring authentic offshore vessel design, crew transfer technology, and advanced propulsion systems to our new Class 4 Service Operation Vessel, helping us deliver an even more realistic maritime simulation.

Longitude Engineering

The new Class 4 Service Operation Vessel (IMT 9604) is based on Longitude Engineering's modern offshore vessel design, purpose-built for offshore wind farm operations. This vessel serves as the foundation for many of the new gameplay systems introduced in Update v0.8.7 and those planned for future offshore operations.

Z-Bridge

The IMT 9604 is equipped with the innovative Z-Bridge Bring-to-Work system, allowing crews to safely transfer personnel between vessels and offshore structures using a motion-compensated access system. Players can already operate the Z-Bridge as part of their offshore missions by simply rigging it from the Dry Dock, with additional functionality planned in future updates.

Steerprop

The vessel features licensed Steerprop propulsion technology, including twin stern azimuth thrusters and a bow tunnel thruster, providing precise manoeuvrability during harbour operations, offshore work, and Dynamic Positioning. Additional propulsion control stations and advanced thruster functionality are already in development.

The Class 4 Service Operation Vessel features a licensed Steerprop propulsion package , including twin stern azimuth thrusters and a bow tunnel thruster, providing exceptional manoeuvrability during harbour operations, offshore work, and Dynamic Positioning.

Unlike conventional vessels that rely on rudders for steering, azimuth thrusters rotate 360° , combining propulsion and steering into a single system. Instead of controlling a rudder, operators control the direction of thrust itself, creating a unique handling experience that closely reflects real-world offshore vessels.

To make the transition easier for players unfamiliar with azimuth propulsion, we've added an Invert Azimuth Thruster Rotation option in the game settings. This allows players to choose between a more familiar control scheme or a control layout that more closely matches real-world offshore vessel operations.

Additional licensed Steerprop propulsion control stations, dedicated thruster displays, independent port and starboard thruster controls, and the retractable bow azimuth thruster are already in development and will be introduced in a future update.

Below is a sneak peek at the upcoming licensed Steerprop main propulsion control panels, which will allow operators to independently control and monitor the vessel's azimuth thrusters.

Advanced Offshore Vessel Systems

The IMT 9604 introduces the most advanced offshore vessel systems ever featured in Ships At Sea , bringing an entirely new level of realism to offshore operations.

Operate a fully functional Dynamic Positioning (DP2) system to automatically maintain your vessel's position and heading without dropping anchor. Whether you're holding station beside an offshore structure or preparing to deploy a daughter craft, the DP system continuously compensates for wind, waves, currents, and vessel drift using the vessel's propulsion and thruster systems.

Players can move the vessel to a desired offshore position and activate Fixation directly from the DP console. Once enabled, the vessel automatically holds station while players focus on other offshore tasks, such as deploying daughter craft or operating the Z-Bridge.

If repositioning is required, operators can use the DP joysticks to make precise adjustments. The system automatically calculates a new target position and commands the vessel's propulsion systems to move and hold station at the updated location.

The DP display provides real-time information, including vessel position, heading, wind conditions, and propulsion status, giving operators a complete overview while maintaining station.

This is only the beginning of our offshore systems, and we look forward to expanding the Dynamic Positioning system with even more functionality in future updates.

[carousel] [/carousel] Dynamic Positioning in Action

The video below showcases the Dynamic Positioning (DP2) system in action.

Using the DP joysticks, players can reposition the vessel to a new target location. The DP system automatically calculates the required manoeuvre, controls the vessel's propulsion and thrusters, and safely moves the vessel into position before resuming station-keeping.

For players who would like to explore the system in greater detail, additional information about Dynamic Positioning and its display functions can be found in the in-game Help page.

Deployable Support Crafts

The new Class 4 Service Operation Vessel introduces two fully deployable daughter craft, expanding offshore gameplay with entirely new ways to operate at sea.

Players can purchase the daughter craft through the Dry Dock , where they are physically mounted aboard the vessel and become part of its offshore equipment. Using the fully animated davit systems, crews can launch and recover the craft as part of normal offshore operations. Both vessels can also be purchased independently through the Shipyard and operated as standalone vessels.

Whether playing alone or in multiplayer, the daughter craft add a new layer of teamwork and immersion, allowing crews to carry out multiple offshore tasks simultaneously while the mother vessel remains on station using Dynamic Positioning.

As development continues, we will further expand these systems with additional animations, interactions, and gameplay features.

Advanced Waterjet Propulsion

The Fast Rescue Boat introduces fully simulated waterjet propulsion , offering exceptional manoeuvrability, rapid acceleration, and excellent shallow-water performance.

Unlike conventional propeller-driven vessels, the Fast Rescue Boat features dedicated waterjet instruments and propulsion controls, allowing players to monitor jet direction, adjust nozzle trim, and fine-tune the vessel's handling to suit different operating conditions.

The new Nozzle Trim Control gives captains another layer of control by adjusting the running attitude of the vessel, improving stability, manoeuvrability, and ride comfort depending on sea conditions and speed. Dedicated Jet Direction and Nozzle Trim gauges provide real-time feedback directly from the bridge.

The vessel is also equipped with a new Propulsion & Craft Status Display , providing quick access to essential operating information, including speed, water depth, engine RPM, gear position, fuel level, and engine status.

Together, these systems create a more authentic offshore vessel experience while laying the foundation for future propulsion technologies and advanced vessel systems in Ships At Sea .

Dedicated Servers – Now Supporting Up to 16 Players

With Update v0.8.7 , Dedicated Servers now support up to 16 players , allowing larger companies, more active ports, and bigger maritime operations than ever before.

Whether you're building a fishing company, coordinating offshore operations, or simply exploring the Norwegian coastline with friends, Dedicated Servers provide the flexibility to create your own persistent maritime world.

This update also introduces Linux support for Dedicated Servers, giving server owners even more flexibility when hosting their communities.

For players who prefer renting a server instead of hosting one themselves, Ships At Sea is now officially supported by our trusted hosting partners:

4Netplayers GPORTAL BisectHosting

Whether you choose one of our official hosting partners or host your own server, it's now easier than ever to build your own maritime community in Ships At Sea .

A More Realistic Ocean

The ocean is at the heart of Ships At Sea , and with Update v0.8.7 we've continued refining the technology that brings it to life.

This update introduces further improvements to buoyancy, vessel handling, collision behaviour, propulsion tuning, and overall stability, creating a smoother and more believable experience across the fleet.

A major focus has been the continued improvement of the water simulation, enhancing how vessels interact with the ocean by preventing water from entering enclosed spaces while also improving wave interaction, visual fidelity, and vessel damping in rough seas.

We've also improved multiplayer vessel synchronisation, reducing jitter and movement inconsistencies on Dedicated Servers while further refining vessel movement and stability in both single-player and multiplayer.

The ocean itself has also evolved with improved wave foam , enhanced water simulation, and additional performance optimisations. Combined with ongoing improvements to lighting, weather effects, and environmental systems, these changes continue to make every voyage feel more immersive than ever before.

Development doesn't stop here. Work has already begun on the next generation of ocean improvements as we continue evolving the living maritime world of Ships At Sea .

Shipyard & Dry Dock – A New Fleet Management Experience

Based on community feedback, we've reintroduced the Shipyard to Ships At Sea , allowing players to once again purchase, customize, and manage Class 1–3 vessels directly from shipyards across the world.

For larger vessels, including the new Class 4 Service Operation Vessel and future ship classes, the Dry Dock remains the primary hub for vessel management, upgrades, and customization.

Both facilities have received visual improvements, updated lighting, and layout refinements. The Shipyard has been expanded to better accommodate larger Class 3 vessels, while the Dry Dock now features a new lift, making access to the lower level much more convenient.

Redesigned User Interface

We've also completely redesigned the Shipyard and Dry Dock user interface to make vessel management more intuitive and immersive.

Players can now preview vessels before purchase, inspect them using improved camera controls, customize vessel colours, and get a clearer overview of available upgrades, licensed vessels, and onboard equipment.

The vessel selling process has also been improved with a more transparent transaction overview, making it easier to understand exactly what is included when selling a vessel.

As development continues, we'll further expand both facilities with additional camera improvements, enhanced vessel presentation, dedicated preview lighting, and new functionality to make browsing, customizing, and managing your fleet even better.

Expanded Character Customization

With Update v0.8.7 , character customization continues to grow, giving players more ways to create a captain that feels uniquely their own.

Choose from a wider selection of faces, hairstyles, clothing, eye and hair colours, and customize outfit colours to create your own distinctive look before setting sail.

As development continues, we'll further expand character variety, clothing options, animations, and NPC behaviour as we work toward creating a more lifelike, immersive, and believable maritime world. Please note that the current character customization presentation, including the background, is temporary and will continue to evolve in future updates.

After creating your character, your Ship License is automatically updated with your character portrait, making it feel more personal and uniquely yours.

Alongside the updated license, players can now track a variety of personal statistics through the Logbook, including co-op playtime, completed contracts in both single-player and multiplayer, transferred passengers, distance travelled, and more. Additional statistics and progression tracking features are already in development and will be expanded in future updates.

Enhanced Audio & Animation

Not every improvement comes in the form of a new vessel or gameplay system. With Update v0.8.7 , we've continued expanding the audio and animation systems that help bring the maritime world of Ships At Sea to life.

Players will experience a wide range of new and improved sound effects, including vessel engine sounds across different operating stages, engine start-up, docking and undocking, button interactions, enhanced crane audio, improved ocean ambience, additional footsteps across different surfaces, low-fuel alarms, and many other audio refinements throughout the game.

Animation development has also taken another major step forward. The underlying animation framework now provides a solid foundation for expanding animations across many gameplay systems in future updates.

Players can already experience new animations during activities such as longline fishing and replacing flashlight batteries, while sitting animations and NPC behaviours have also been further refined. The new fish-hooking animation during longline hauling is another step toward making commercial fishing feel more physical and authentic.

As development continues, we'll keep expanding animations, sound effects, character interactions, and environmental audio to create an even more immersive and believable maritime experience.

Skill Tree Improvements

With Update v0.8.7 , we've refined the Skill Tree to better support the future growth of Ships At Sea while making progression more meaningful for players.

Several outdated or less impactful skills have been removed or reworked, creating a cleaner and more flexible foundation for future expansion. The update also introduces new skills, including Driving Eco IV , an increased chance of successfully repairing equipment, improved health restoration when repairing electrical systems, and increased carrying capacity, allowing captains to transport more equipment and cargo before reaching their weight limit.

Behind the scenes, the Skill Tree has been redesigned to make future development easier and more scalable. This new foundation will allow us to continue expanding the system with additional specializations, progression paths, and gameplay-focused skills throughout Early Access.

A completely redesigned Skill Tree user interface is already planned for a future update, further improving progression and the overall player experience.

Offshore Wind Farm Operations Begin

Update v0.8.7 marks the beginning of offshore wind farm operations in Ships At Sea , introducing the first gameplay systems for one of the largest industries planned for the game.

Players can now take on the first offshore logistics missions by transporting replacement wind turbine blades to support future maintenance operations. These missions lay the foundation for a much broader offshore gameplay experience that will continue to expand throughout Early Access.

To support these new activities, the Class 3 Cargo Ship Nordland can now be equipped with newly designed towing equipment through the Shipyard or Dry Dock. Once configured, captains can tow barges carrying wind turbine components across the Norwegian coastline or manoeuvre them into position just like real offshore workboats.

Alongside these new missions, we've also created a completely new set of towing assets, including towing wires, mooring lines, docking ropes, and longlines. These assets will gradually replace the existing rope systems as development continues.

While Update v0.8.7 focuses on offshore logistics, future updates will continue expanding offshore wind farm gameplay with new vessel types, maintenance operations, offshore infrastructure, and a wide range of new maritime careers within the renewable energy sector.

We're also continuing to evolve the mission system itself, introducing more dynamic mission generation, objectives, and progression throughout future updates.

Night Navigation Lighting

Based on community feedback, larger vessels now feature a dedicated Night Navigation Lighting mode.

With the press of a button, captains can quickly switch between standard bridge lighting and red night lighting, helping create a more authentic nighttime navigation experience.

Just like aboard real vessels, red bridge lighting helps preserve the crew's night vision while keeping instruments and controls clearly visible during low-light operations.

Whether you're navigating through busy ports, operating offshore, or sailing across the Norwegian coastline after sunset, you can now choose the bridge lighting that best suits your operation and immersion.

Fishing Gameplay Continues to Evolve

Fishing remains one of the core pillars of Ships At Sea, and Update v0.8.7 introduces another round of improvements across fish behaviour, fishing gear, fish handling, multiplayer, and overall immersion.

Fish habitats and…