Vard has held a steel-cutting ceremony for a new offshore subsea construction vessel (OSCV) it is building for Dong Fang Offshore.
The first steel for the NB 988 vessel was cut at Vard’s shipyard in Brăila, Romania (pictured), marking the start of construction.
The vessel, of the Vard 3 39 design, is the first of its kind built in Brăila and also the first newbuild OSCV for Taiwan-based Dong Fang Offshore.
Measuring 121.3 metres in length and 23 metres in width, it will accommodate up to 130 personnel.
The hull will be constructed in Brăila, with final outfitting, commissioning, and delivery at Vard Søviknes, Norway, scheduled for the second quarter of 2027.
Vard said the vessel is a highly versatile platform designed and equipped for subsea operation duties, offshore wind operations and maintenance activities, as well as cable installation and repair scopes.
The shipbuilder signed the €113.5m contract with Dong Fang Offshore earlier this year for the design and construction of the vessel, with an option for additional units.
It came after Dong Fang Offshore ordered two commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) from Vard last year.