VOS Start Arrives to Barrow Ahead of Walney Extension Work

Vroon’s newly built VOS Start has arrived to ABP’s Port of Barrow prior to heading out to DONG Energy’s Walney Extension wind farm in the Irish Sea, the vessel’s first commercial contract.

Chartered by MHI Vestas, VOS Start will provide offshore logistics support, accommodation and walk-to-work services during the installation and commissioning of 40 MHI Vestas 8MW turbines at the 659MW Walney Extension wind farm.

Named in Amsterdam on 21 July, Vroon’s first subsea-support, walk-to-work vessel has been purpose built to support offshore operations in the renewable industry and walk-to-work projects in the oil & gas industry.

As the closest port to the Walney Extension, Barrow provides a home to four operation and maintenance bases supporting renewable generation developments in the Irish Sea. Barrow also supports a range of projects run by DONG Energy and MHI Vestas, ABP said.

Carl Bevan, ABP Port Manager, North West, said: “We are very proud to have the perfect facilities to accommodate this class of ship and will ensure that our customers have everything they need to make the most of their stay.”

The Walney Extension wind farm will, apart from the 40 MHI Vestas 8MW turbines, also feature 47 Siemens 7MW wind turbines.

The wind farm is scheduled for completion in 2019.