Integrated Wind Solutions (IWS) has entered into shipbuilding contracts for the construction of two additional Walk-to-Work Commissioning Service Operations Vessels (CSOVs).
The company’s wholly-owned subsidiary IWS Fleet exercised options and entered into construction contracts with Hong Kong-based China Merchants Industry Holdings Co., Ltd. (CMI) for the acquisition of two additional CSOVs.
The firm yard price is about EUR 52.5 million per vessel and the two newbuilds are scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2025.
After delivery, IWS will have a fleet of six identical Skywalker class vessels designed specifically to support commissioning works during the construction of offshore wind farms, as well as supporting operations and maintenance during the lifetime of wind farms, both bottom-fixed and floating.
According to IWS, these hybrid-powered vessels will be among the first in the industry capable of zero-emission operations.
Designed by Kongsberg Maritime, the CSOVs will be equipped with a fully compensated gangway and a 3D crane.
IWS said that the vessels have several “industry firsts”, such as the largest battery pack with solar panels for additional charging, hull and propulsion design increasing operability and reducing emissions, and an energy consumption estimated to be 20 per cent lower than comparable CSOVs currently under construction.
The vessels are also the first in the industry to have the “DNV SILENT” notation, IWS said, which focuses on minimising the impact on marine life below water.
IWS has also secured options for an additional two Skywalker class CSOVs from the CMI shipyard.
Changes in Delivery Due to Supply Chain Issues
Last year, IWS Fleet secured its first contract with the Dogger Bank consortium for the chartering of the CSOV, which will be used during the commissioning of the 13 MW GE Renewable Energy Haliade-X turbines on the first two phases of the wind farm, Dogger Bank A and B.
In December 2022, the Dogger Bank Consortium and IWS Fleet signed the final, binding contract for the charter party for Dogger Bank C, with a start-up in 2025 and a duration of 304 days.
Due to global supply chain issues affecting the delivery of the Walk-to-Work gangway system, the company expects changes to the delivery schedule of the first two vessels.
It has been agreed with the charter of the first vessel, IWS Skywalker , that it will commence its contract in the fourth quarter of 2023.
The company expects the second vessel , IWS Windwalker to be ready for commercial operations in the early first quarter of 2024.