French shipowner Bourbon has struck a deal to market and operate Norwegian start-up Integrated Wind Solution (IWS)’s new wind farm vessels.
The offshore vessel specialist has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Oslo-based IWS, which has four Skywalker-class ships due in the second and third quarters of 2023 and the first half of 2024.
The Bourbon Offshore Surf unit will manage the ships as they carry out commissioning and maintenance work in France.
The walk-to-work commissioning service operation vessels are being built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Shenzhen).
Awilco-backed IWS has options for two more ships in the 5,000-gt vessel series.
Bourbon has 500 French seafarers with relevant offshore experience.
France has big ambitions for its offshore wind market, currently planning installation of more than 7 GW by 2030.
The 90-metre Skywalker ships can accommodate 120 workers.
Hybrid propulsion
They will be equipped with a compensated gangway and crane, and feature battery hybrid propulsion to reduce their CO2 emissions.
Bourbon will provide complementary remotely operated vehicle, subsea engineering and survey services.
Rodolphe Bouchet, chief executive of Bourbon Marine & Logistics, said: “Bourbon is proud to join forces with IWS, a key player in the offshore wind industry.
“This partnership will enable our two companies to offer full, adapted and innovative services in the French wind market.”
IWS CEO Lars-Henrik Roren said Bourbon’s extensive experience in floating wind, as well as its presence in France, will benefit wind farm developers, operators and owners by providing high-quality vessels operated by French seafarers.
