On September 3, VARD announced that Cochin Shipyard Limited in India are building two Service Operation Vessels (SOVs), one of VARD 4 07 and one of VARD 4 19 design for North Star and VARD provides design and equipment to Cochin Shipyard for the building of two SOV Vessels.
VARD has previously delivered 12 designs to the Cochin Shipyard Ltd. The first hybrid electric SOV to be delivered by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. is of VARD 4 07 design and is tailored to meet North Star’s specific requirements. The focus has been to develop a competitive and compact vessel with a fuel-efficient configuration providing high operability.With a length of 71 meters and a beam of 18 meters, the ship has fully equipped accommodations for a total of 55 persons and a 3D motion compensated crane. Side loading warehouse facilities with step-less access to the height adjustable 3D motion compensated gangway ensures efficient flow of goods and technicians.
The vessel is to be delivered to North Star for a long-term charter with one of the largest energy companies in Germany and Europe, EnBW, to operate the He Dreiht wind farm. Scheduled to commence long-term charter with EnBW from the end of next year, the walk-to-work vessel will host technicians as they maintain the 64 wind turbines. The SOV will also act as a logistics hub and warehouse.
The second SOV is of VARD 4 19 design and is very similar to vessels formerly delivered to North Star from VARD.
The hybrid electric VARD 4 19 design will accommodate up to 80 persons in single cabins, thereof 60 of its client’s wind technicians to support maintenance operations across all 95 wind turbines at the East Anglia Hub development. This SOV is due to be delivered to Siemens Gamesa to commence operations in late 2026.