VARD signs contract for two hybrid Commissioning Service Operation Vessels

VARD and Windward Offshore, a consortium, currently under establishment and led by ASSC´s offshore arm SeaRenergy Group in Germany have signed a contract for the design and construction for two hybrid Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOV). The parties have also agreed on an option for two additional vessels.

The partners driving Windward Offshore's innovative venture are industry leaders: SeaRenergy Offshore Holding GmbH, Blue Star Group GmbH & Cie. KG, Diana Shipping Inc., and SeraVerse GmbH. Together, they are united by a shared vision of pioneering excellence in the offshore wind sector.

The partnership between VARD and SeaRenergy dates back to 2015 when they began exploring SOV projects. 

Dr. Benjamin Vordemfelde, CEO of SeaRenergy Group, said:

"The work both companies have invested, now gives result when we enter a partnership on renewable tonnage, combining VARD’s ship building excellence and SeaRenergy’s firsthand working experience with CSOV on numerous offshore wind projects."

"While the changes in the political framework have fostered the entry of new developers into the offshore wind market, the investment activities in the Offshore Wind infrastructure are still by far too low. ASSC has now decided to -again- be a first mover in this field to ensure availability of attractive vessel capacity in 2025 and beyond, when the wind farm projects currently under planning and permitting will be installed and commissioned"

Mrs. Semiramis Paliou, Director and CEO of Diana Shipping Inc. stated:

“We are excited to announce our entry into a new sector of the shipping industry through a strategic partnership involving the acquisition of two CSOV vessels. We view this investment as another attestation to our commitment for a greener and more sustainable future. Together with our esteemed partners, we embark on an exciting journey that should contribute to a cleaner and more eco-friendly world."

The VARD 4 19 design is a highly all-round platform for sustainable offshore windfarm support operations, focusing on onboard logistics, security, comfort, and superior operability.

The 87.5-meter vessels have a beam of 19.5 meters and will be equipped with a height-adjustable motion-compensated gangway with elevator system, and a height-adjustable boat landing system. To achieve energy-efficient and smart operations at sea, with the goal of reducing fuel consumption, the vessels will be outfitted with a comprehensive SeaQ package from Vard Electro that includes systems and solutions for Power, Control, Bridge, and Communication. The vessels are also prepared for operation on green methanol. The CSOVs will have an accommodation for 120 persons on board.