North Star has named and handed over its latest service operations vessel (SOV), the Grampian Tweed, completing its fleet of dedicated ships serving Dogger Bank offshore wind farm on long-term charter.
The Grampian Tweed is the fourth SOV introduced ahead of schedule to support Dogger Bank, located off the UK in the North Sea.
“The naming of the Grampian Tweed is a proud moment for all of us across the business,” said Gitte Gard Talmo (second from left), CEO of North Star.
“Our in-house teams have worked tirelessly to ensure that this SOV, alongside its sister vessels, meets the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
“The early handover of all these ships not only reinforces our partnership with Equinor and SSE Renewables but also strengthening our role in the transition to a greener, more sustainable energy future.”
The Grampian Tweed’s naming ceremony, held at Associated British Ports (ABP) new Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF), was attended by representatives from North Star, Equinor, SSE Renewables and local stakeholders.
Emma Sayer, the Grampian Tweed’s godmother has been a valued member of North Star’s crewing team in Lowestoft for over 16 years.
She played a key role in the naming ceremony which also featured a blessing from Reverand Peter Paine and speeches from Julian Walker (pictured centre), CCO and regional director of ABP, and Kamala Hajiyeva (second from right), VP and head of the Dogger Bank development.
Hajiyeva said: “With the arrival of the Grampian Tweed SOV, we celebrate the last of four vessels delivered to the project.
“The Grampian Tweed also provides a best-in-class working and living environment for our offshore wind technicians and team members, ensuring they can carry out essential maintenance safely and comfortably.
“The vessel’s advanced features will also provide essential services to the operations and maintenance of Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm.”
Once complete, Dogger Bank will become the largest offshore wind farm in the world, with 3.6GW of generating capacity.
SSE Renewables Project Director for Dogger Bank Wind Farm, Olly Cass, said: “Congratulations to the team at North Star for achieving another significant milestone for our pioneering project.
“Today’s ceremony takes place in the region where our hybrid-powered daughter craft were built, once again demonstrating the huge amount of UK skills and expertise involved in delivering and operating the world’s largest offshore wind farm.”