Vard inks newbuild offshore wind CSOV contract

The two battery-hybrid CSOVs are of Vard 4 19 design, but upgraded to give environmental benefits with a hull design optimised for low fuel consumption and resistance, as well as high operability and comfort.

”These vessels will support a pathway for our clients to decarbonise their operations and to maintain our position as a leader with the lowest carbon offshore wind support fleet,” said Tom Nevin, business head of Purus Wind.

“We are also very excited about the potential of what will be the next generation of a very successful design with the ability convert to methanol with the flexibility of hybrid and zero emission mode.”

Charging at sea

The goal of the project is to power operations with a minimum of additional energy sources to secure environmental benefits.

A sophisticated battery hybrid system prepares the vessels to run with zero emission for periods. Because they are prepared for charging at sea, the vessels can be connected to the power grid in the wind farm/harbour to charge batteries regularly without having to go ashore.

Vard’s design is also prepared for future operation on methanol, providing an additional sustainable option to the operation.

The CSOVs are a highly versatile platform for all wind support operations, focusing on onboard logistics, comfort, large storage capacities and advanced operability.

They will be equipped with a Seaonics Electric Controlled Motion Compensated (ECMC) crane, which allows for always keeping the load close to the crane tip from the deck level to the TP platform helping ensure quick and safe cargo transfer.

The stepless walk-to-work-system is able to work with stepless access in a range from 15 to 30 meters above sea and is suitable for both personnel and cargo transfer.

The hull of the first vessel will be built in Vard in Romania for outfitting, commissioning and delivery will be from from one of Vard’s yards in Norway. The second vessel will be built at Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam.

Delivery for the first vessel will take place in the second quarter of 2025, with the second following in the second quarter of 2026.