Two more SOVs destined for North Star

One of the Vard-designed vessels will operate at He Dreiht wind farm, the largest in Germany. ‘He Dreiht’ means ‘it spins’ in German. The second is destined for East Anglia, off England.

The vessels are slightly different: the first, for He Dreiht, is a 71m x 18m Vard 4 07 design with accommodation for 55 persons, a 3D motion-compensated crane and height-adjustable 3D motion-compensated gangway.

The second is a Vard 4 19 design, 90.5m x 19.5m, with accommodation for 80 persons and step-less access to the gangway.

Both vessels will be equipped with a SeaQ package from Vard Electro, which enables a hybrid diesel-battery propulsion system.

“In addition, the high specification Vard 4 19 vessel will be designed with an even more advanced power system that combines the DC Switchboard with the SeaQ Energy Storage System,” says Vard. “This integration will streamline on-board energy utilization and optimize distribution systems, leading to higher overall efficiency in all operating modes.

“For complete control and monitoring of the vessels, including fuel consumption optimization, Vard Electro will deliver a comprehensive digital scope including SeaQ Integrated Automation System, SeaQ Power Management System, SeaQ Energy management system, and SeaQ Green Pilot.”

North Star has bases in Scotland, England and Germany/ Its offshore vessel fleet comprises 42, and it supports more than 50 North Sea installations, with its first two SOVs – Grampian Tyne and Grampian Derwent – delivered in the summer of 2023.

Another two are being built, and all four are under charter for a minimum of 10 years.

“”The business has also invested in its first two of up to four Commissioning SOVs to support the growing European offshore wind market,” the company says.