Vard has signed a contract with Dong Fang Offshore (DFO) to design and build a subsea operations vessel, with an option for additional units, expanding their collaboration in the offshore wind sector.
The deal is worth €113.5m and the new vessel will be the third constructed by Vard for DFO, following two commissioning service operations vessels ordered in May 2024.
Based on the VARD 3 39 design, the ship will support subsea operations, maintenance, and cable laying across offshore wind and telecommunications projects.
Measuring 121.3 metres in length and 23 metres in beam, the vessel will feature advanced manoeuvrability and station-keeping, ensuring reliable performance in challenging sea conditions. It will house up to 130 people in 90 cabins and include a 1,200m² working deck equipped for offshore operations.
Key features will include a 250-tonne active heave-compensated offshore crane, ROV hangars on both sides, a motion-compensated gangway system, a subsea trencher, underdeck cable carousel, and a helicopter deck, making it one of the most capable vessels in its class.
The hull will be built at Vard’s yard in Brăila, Romania, with final outfitting and delivery from Vard Søviknes in Norway. Delivery is scheduled for early Q2 2027.