Offshore wind sector start-up Windward Offshore has raised the number of hybrid commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) it has on order at Fincantieri-owned shipbuilder Vard to four.
The company has taken up the two option vessels that came attached to the order for an initial pair that was signed in October.
Windward Offshore, a partnership between SeaRenergy Offshore, Blue Star Group, Diana Shipping, and SeraVerse, said this latest order is “the next important step” in its quest to support the significant global need for offshore wind energy.
The CSOVs are based on the Vard 4 19 design, which the shipbuilder claims is a” highly flexible all-round platform for sustainable offshore wind farm support operations”.
The vessels will support offshore wind farm operations and each accommodate 120 people. They will run on methanol and hybrid battery systems.
To achieve further energy efficiency, they will also be outfitted with a comprehensive SeaQ package from Vard Electro.
“All of our vessels are designed to be equipped with the latest eco-friendly technologies with the goal of minimising environmental impact and offering the highest safety standards to ensure safe and sustainable offshore operations,” Windward Offshore managing director Benjamin Vordemfelde said.
Windward Offshore’s first pair of vessels is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2025. The delivery date for the latest two vessels was not disclosed.
Financial terms of the Vard newbuilding contracts have not been disclosed.
