Vard has cut the first steel for NB 1004, the second of two commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) ordered by UPO, a joint venture between U-Ming Marine Offshore and Purus.
The vessel, based on Vard’s 4 19 design, is being built at Vard Vung Tau shipyard in Vietnam and is part of an order for two 88-metre hybrid CSOVs placed by UPO last year.
UPO was established by U-Ming Marine Offshore, part of Taiwan's Far Eastern Group, and UK-based Purus in October 2025 to expand offshore wind vessel operations in Taiwan and the wider Asia Pacific region.
Construction of the first vessel, NB 996, is already underway at Vard’s shipyard in Tulcea, Romania, where the first steel was cut in November 2025.
UPO shared an update on the progress of the first vessel in October, revealing the first CSOV's name as being UPO Atlantic.
Both CSOVs will feature hybrid battery propulsion, DP2 dynamic positioning and accommodation for up to 120 people, including 93 technicians. Their equipment will include 3D-compensated walk-to-work gangways supplied by Vard subsidiary Seaonics.
The vessels have been designed for operating conditions in Taiwan, with features planned to support station-keeping and offshore personnel transfers in the region's wind, current and wave conditions.