Windward Offshore has exercised options, contained in the contract signed with Vard in October 2023, for the design and construction of two hybrid commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs).
As part of the order, the number of units ordered from Vard rises to four, with Windward having signed a contract on two similar CSOVs last year.
All four vessels are designed by Vard Design in Alesund Norway.
The first vessel is expected to be delivered in the second half of 2025, with the other three vessels joining the fleet in the course of 2026.
For two vessels, the hull will be built in one of Vard’s shipyards in Romania, while the final outfitting, commissioning and delivery will be carried out by one of Vard’s shipyards in Norway, the other two will be delivered from Vard’s shipyard in Vietnam.
The founding partners of Windward Offshore are SeaRenergy Offshore, Blue Star Group, Diana Shipping and SeraVerse.
“Windward Offshore is pleased to announce the execution of the options for two further Vard 4 19 CSOVs, expanding our initial two vessel order to four vessels, and continuing our trusted relationship with Vard.
“All of our Vessels are designed to be equipped with the latest eco-friendly technologies with the goal of minimising environmental impact and offering the highest safety standards to ensure safe and sustainable offshore operations.”, said Benjamin Vordemfelde – Managing Director Windward Offshore.
The Vard 4 19 design is a “highly all-round platform” for sustainable offshore wind farm support operations, focusing on onboard logistics, security, comfort, and superior operability.
The CSOVs will have accommodation for 120 persons on board and have a length of 87.5 metres and beam of 19.5 metres.
They will include a battery hybrid system and will be prepared for future operation on green methanol.