A new under-construction service operation vessel (SOV) for Danish shipowner Esvagt has been launched at the Bilbao facilities of Zamakona Yards.
The Esvagt NB C790 SOV will support MHI Vestas on the 269MW Deutsche Bucht offshore wind farm in the German North Sea for a 15‐year service contract.
Deutsche Bucht, being developed by Northland Power using MHI Vestas V164-8.4MW turbines is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.
The SOV is 58.50 metres long and 16.60 metres across the beam with enough capacity to accommodate 42 technicians and other personnel.
It is the fifth vessel that Spanish company Zamakona Yards has built for Esvagt since 2004. Last year it delivered the Esvagt Dana, also developed for the offshore wind industry.
The ship will be equipped with a walk‐to‐work gangway system in a bespoke tower with a crane placed on top of the tower.
Used together with safe transfer boats, STB 7 and STB 12, Esvagt’s latest vessel will contribute to the safe transfer of turbine technicians, tools and spare parts.
The SOV is designed to operate safely close to, and within the operational distance of the gangway, wind turbines and offshore substations.