The Windward Offshore joint venture, comprising Diana Shipping, Blue Star Group, SeaRenergy Offshore, and SeraVerse, has exercised its option to acquire two additional hybrid Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) from Norway-based shipbuilding company VARD.
Following the completion of the acquisition of the two additional CSOVs, Windward Offshore will have contracts to acquire four vessels, with deliveries scheduled to occur between the third quarter of 2025 and the third quarter of 2026.
All four vessels are designed by Vard Design in Ålesund, Norway. For two vessels, the hulls will be built in one of VARD’s shipyards in Romania, while the final outfitting, commissioning, and delivery will be carried out by one of VARD’s shipyards in Norway.
The other two hulls will be delivered from VARD’s shipyard in Vietnam. The vessels will support energy majors globally in constructing, commissioning, and maintaining offshore wind farms.
“ Windward Offshore is pleased to announce the execution of the options for two further VARD 4 19 CSOVs, expanding our initial two vessel order to four vessels, and continuing our trusted relationship with VARD ,” said Benjamin Vordemfelde , Managing Director of Windward Offshore.
“All of our vessels are designed to be equipped with the latest eco-friendly technologies with the goal of minimizing environmental impact and offering the highest safety standards to ensure safe and sustainable offshore operations .”
The 87.5-metre vessels have a beam of 19.5 metres and will be equipped with a height-adjustable motion-compensated gangway with an elevator system, and a height-adjustable boat landing system.
To achieve energy-efficient and smart operations at sea and to reduce fuel consumption, the CSOVs will be outfitted with a SeaQ package from Vard Electro that includes systems and solutions for Power, Control, Bridge, and Communication. Vard Interior is delivering HVAC-R and interior concepts.
The vessels, which will have accommodation for 120 persons on board, are prepared to operate on green methanol and are equipped with a hybrid battery system.
“ We believe CSOV vessels will play a crucial role in the energy transition, and we are looking forward to offer our clients a comprehensive offshore wind service platform which combines a unique blend of the extensive maritime and offshore wind industry expertise by our founding partners,” said Christoph Geck-Schlich , Managing Director of Windward Offshore.