Greece’s Diana Shipping has entered the wind farm vessel sector through a joint venture with two German investors and an offshore services provider that involves ordering two newbuildings from Fincantieri-owned shipbuilder Vard.
Diana, a New York-listed owner of 41 bulkers, has partnered with Blue Star Group and SeraVerse along with SeaRenergy Offshore Holding to form new consortium Windward Offshore to own and operate commissioning service operation vessels.
SeaRenergy is the offshore wind services arm of Germany’s Asian Spirit Steamship Co.
The joint venture has ordered two CSOVs from Vard and has the option to acquire two more from the shipyard. The first CSOV is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2025.
Financial terms of the joint venture were not disclosed.
“We are excited to announce our intention to enter into a new sector of the shipping industry through a strategic partnership involving the acquisition of two CSOV vessels,” Diana chief executive Semiramis Paliou said in a statement.
“We view this investment as another attestation to our commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.
“Together with our esteemed partners, we embark on an exciting journey that should contribute to a cleaner and more eco-friendly world.”
Fincantieri said that the CSOVs, which will support offshore wind farm operations and each accommodate 120 people, will run on methanol and hybrid battery systems.
The first CSOV will begin construction in Romania and be completed in Norway. The second unit will be built and delivered in Vietnam, Fincantieri said.
“This new order is a further confirmation of the expertise that Vard has developed in the CSOV market and strengthens the role of offshore wind as the third fundamental pillar of our business,” Fincantieri chief executive Pierroberto Folgiero said in a statement.
“Fincantieri can make a significant contribution to a technology that the whole world is investing in.”
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