SMST to equip hybrid SOV

The company will supply an L2 telescopic access bridge and 5 tonne motion-compensated crane for the walk-to-work vessel based on a VARD 407 design.

The SOV will operate at the He Dreiht wind farm located in the North Sea off Germany, after North Star secured a contract with EnBW for at least a decade.

“Selecting the best quality SOV walk-to-work equipment is crucial for the success of offshore wind farm operations as it enhances safety, improves operational efficiency and provides resilience against weather disruptions,” said James Bradford, North Star’s chief technology officer.

“Based on our experiences with SMST for the previous two orders, together with VARD, we are confident that they will once again deliver excellent equipment for our ship bound for EnBW.”

One of the company’s growing fleet of eight hybrid-electric SOVs, this ship will enter into service by the end of 2025.

It is the third time SMST will provide mission equipment for North Star, but the first time the company has worked with Cochin, India’s biggest shipyard.

“We are looking forward to working together with Cochin Shipyard and we are grateful for the trust North Star has placed in us for supplying equipment for a third vessel,” said Jochem Tuinstra, sales manager at SMST.

“North Star’s project with EnBW is an important step for the transition to renewable energy, to which we proudly contribute to.”

The He Dreiht wind farm is slated to begin operation by the end of 2025. Once up and running it is expected to deliver clean energy to 1.1m homes.