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VARD and Windward Offshore have signed a contract for the design and construction of two hybrid Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOV).
The parties, with Windward being a consortium currently under establishment and led by ASSC´s offshore arm SeaRenergy Group in Germany, have also agreed on an option for two additional vessels.
Together with the SeaRenergy team, VARD has tailored the new VARD 4 19 vessel design to be attractive for crew and clients, the company continuing its journey through the maritime industry as it enters a new market.
Jointly, the companies are now following up on strategies to meet the world growing energy needs in a sustainable way.
The vessels are designed by Vard Design in Ålesund Norway. The first hull will be built in one of VARD’s shipyards in Romania, while the final outfitting, commissioning and delivery will be carried out by one of VARD’s shipyards in Norway.
The first hybrid CSOV for Windward Offshore/SeaRenergy is scheduled for delivery in Q2 2025.
The VARD 4 19 vessel design is a highly all-round platform for sustainable offshore windfarm support operations, focusing on onboard logistics, security, comfort, and superior operability.
The 87.5-meter vessels have a beam of 19.5 meters and will be equipped with a height-adjustable motion-compensated gangway with elevator system, and a height-adjustable boat landing system.
To achieve energy-efficient and smart operations at sea, with the goal of reducing fuel consumption, the vessels will be outfitted with a comprehensive SeaQ package from Vard Electro that includes systems and solutions for Power, Control, Bridge, and Communication.
The vessels are also prepared for operation on green methanol. The CSOVs will have an accommodation for 120 persons on board.
VARD’s high technology subsidiary Vard Electro is also involved in the project through deliveries of SeaQ equipment and solutions. Vard Interiors is delivering HVAC-R and interior concepts.
This groundbreaking collaboration marks Windward Offshore’s maiden project with VARD, a testament to the partners’ extensive experience in diverse newbuilding projects.
While the consortium has a robust track record in various asset classes, this endeavor signifies its initial foray into specialized CSOVs/SOVs. These cutting-edge vessels are poised to support energy majors globally in constructing, commissioning, and maintaining offshore wind parks.
SeaRenergy, one of the partners driving Windward Offshore, was established in 2010 and is the Offshore Wind Services Arm of the Rickmers family. The SeaRenergy service portfolio comprises Engineering, QHSE and Marine Services as well as Offshore Professionals, covering the whole life cycle of an offshore wind project from early planning through installation to operation, maintenance, and repair.
The partnership between VARD and SeaRenergy dates back to 2015 when they began exploring SOV projects. VARD has designed and constructed many CSOVs over the years, and SeaRenergy Service teams have been working on almost all sailing SOVs on numerous offshore wind projects.
“We are proud that Windward Offshore/SeaRenergy chose VARD as their partner when deciding to enter the CSOV/SOV market. VARD enables sustainable business at sea and aims to lead the green and technological transition in maritime operations. This partnership with ASSC/SeaRenergy shows that we are on our way to achieve these goals. We welcome Windward Offshore/SeaRenergy into the offshore and specialized vessels market and thank them for the opportunity. We look forward to continuous collaboration,” said Alberto Maestrini, CEO of VARD.
