Norwegian shipbuilding group Vard has scooped another major offshore wind vessel order.

The Fincantieri-owned company said a contract has been signed for the design and construction of five walk-to-work vessels with an unnamed international customer.

The ships will provide maintenance, supply and operational services to offshore platforms in the oil and gas sector.

The Vard 3 32 design has been developed in close collaboration with the customer, based on earlier service operation vessels (SOVs).

No price has been given for the contract.

The hull design has been optimised for low fuel consumption, as well as high operability and comfort, Vard said.

The vessels will be equipped with a diesel/electric and battery-hybrid propulsion system.

There will also be 3D motion-compensated gangway and crane systems.

The 88-metre ships will be built and outfitted at Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam.

The first four in the series are set for delivery in the second half of 2027, and the final unit early in 2028.

The yard is already building similar ships for Edda Wind, Purus, Rem Offshore, Dong Fang Offshore, Norwind Offshore and Cyan Renewables.

Future-proofed

Vard chief executive Cathrine Kristiseter Marti said the contract shows the group’s strength in developing tailor-made innovations and partnering with customers to explore and design new advanced vessels and solutions.

“The design is prepared for extensive use of electric power in the future, providing a sustainable option,” she added.

The vessels will feature Vard Electro’s high-tech SeaQ Integrated Bridge, a technology that simplifies navigation and operations, with all systems controlled from an intuitive touch screen.