Norway-based shipbuilding company Vard has signed new contracts for the design and construction of two commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) for the UK support vessel operator North Star.
The ships are of VARD 4 22 design, produced in collaboration with Vard Design in Ålesund, Norway. The vessels feature the latest hull design optimised for low consumption and resistance, as well as high operability and comfort, the company said.
The VARD 4 22 design has been developed specifically for North Star, with new methanol-ready hybrid-propulsion solutions and an increased number of single cabins, said Vard.
The vessels will be 95 metres long with a 19.5-metre beam and enough space to accommodate 111 people.
The new CSOVs will be equipped with technology from Vard Electro’s SeaQ portfolio, covering solutions for power, control, bridge, navigation, and communication.
The agreement also has an option for two additional ships , which could create a total of up to 200 new seafaring job opportunities across the CSOV fleet once operational.
“We are very proud of being selected by North Star and we will provide vessels with innovative solutions specifically developed by VARD for this type of applications. These contracts are in line with our mission to enable sustainable business at sea: as a shipbuilder, it is a huge motivation for us to be able to effectively contribute to the green transition”, said Alberto Maestrini , VARD CEO.
These vessels are the next in a series of orders North Star has contracted with Vard so far.
In 2021, the company placed four service operation vessel (SOV) newbuild orders with Vard in Vietnam, all of which will support the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Dogger Bank, on long-term charters.
The first three vessels will commence operations this year, ahead of schedule, with the final to be delivered in 2024.
North Star, which employs 1,300 crew and onshore personnel, has committed to delivering 40 offshore wind ships by 2040 to meet the growing demand of offshore wind operations and maintenance logistical support across the UK and Europe.