ABS Grants AIP to Vard for First Jones Act SOV

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted the first Approval in Principle (AIP) to Vard for its design of a Jones Act service operations vessel (SOV).

The AIP addresses a customized version of VARD 4 07 US SOV design, with primary functions including accommodation, transferring technicians to installations, as well as storing spare parts and tools for operations on U.S. offshore wind farms.

“ABS is supporting innovation in the development of alternative energy systems all over the world and it is a real pleasure to be helping to deliver such an important vessel here in the US,” said Matthew Tremblay, Senior Vice President of ABS Global Offshore.

“ABS’ industry-leading experience in offshore oil and gas allows us to offer practical support to the emerging US offshore wind industry.” 

According to Vard, the vessel is designed to be environmentally friendly with a focus on low fuel consumption and ease of construction.

The company said the design incorporates a state-of-the-art hull form designed for all weather conditions which, together with the specified propulsion configuration, offers economical steaming, enhanced seakeeping abilities, and station keeping performance.

The vessel is said to be optimized to reduce motions and accelerations in all degrees of freedom with the aim to increase operability and comfort.

“With our track record in SOV and offshore vessel designs and ABS’ record in the offshore sector, working together to deliver this project seemed like a natural fit,” said Darren Truelock, Vice President at Vard Marine Houston.

“We already have experience supporting yards worldwide to construct our offshore vessel designs, so it is with great enthusiasm that we now start on this exciting journey with ABS in the US.”