SMST has secured a new contract from Norwegian shipbuilder VARD to supply mission equipment for two additional Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) being built for North Star under a long-term charter with RWE.
The deal follows earlier deliveries for the Grampian Eagle and Grampian Kestrel, bringing the total number of North Star vessels fitted with SMST systems to six.
Each of the new hybrid-powered SOVs will feature SMST’s Telescopic Access Bridge (TAB) L2 – a motion-compensated gangway designed for safe and efficient transfer of offshore technicians – along with a 5t Motion Compensated Crane for streamlined cargo handling.
SMST sales manager Jochem Tuinstra said: “We are proud to contribute to such a significant collaboration between two leading industry players. Above all, we value the continued partnership with North Star and VARD’s ongoing trust in SMST, now reflected in the selection of our equipment for a fifth and sixth vessel.”
North Star chief technology officer James Bradford said: “Delivering world-class operational performance remains our top priority, and we consider SMST a valuable technology partner in achieving this goal, thanks to their innovative and reliable offshore equipment. We are therefore pleased to extend our partnership for the next two hybrid-powered Service Operation Vessels.”
The new equipment will further strengthen operational safety and efficiency across North Star’s growing fleet of SOVs, which support offshore wind operations for RWE.