Vard Signs Contract for State-of-the-Art Energy Construction Vessel

Norwegian shipbuilder Vard has signed a contract with Wind Energy Construction AS to design and construct an advanced Energy Construction Vessel (ECV), with an option for an additional vessel to be potentially declared later this year.

Wind Energy Construction AS, partly owned by the founders and owners of Norwind Offshore AS, continues its collaboration with Vard, marking the sixth vessel contracted since October 2021. The previous five vessels were Construction Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs).

The new ECV will feature the VARD 3 11 design, tailored for the offshore wind and subsea market, with capabilities for inspection, maintenance, and repair of pipes, and the construction and installation of infrastructure both above and below sea level.

The vessel, designed for optimal station-keeping, maneuverability, and sea-keeping, will be the first by Vard to feature a permanently installed motion-compensated gangway with integrated 3D compensated crane functionality and a 150-ton movement-compensated offshore crane, enhancing its capabilities for the renewables market.

“We are pleased to have, together with Vard, developed a new vessel category which will enable the development of renewable energy to an even greater extent,” said Svein Leon Aure, CEO of Norwind Offshore. “The concept builds on vessels within the construction market which we have previously built with Vard, and we feel confident that this will play an important role in the development of, among other things, offshore wind in the coming years.”

The vessel will be built, outfitted, commissioned, and delivered from Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam, with delivery scheduled for Q2 2027.

Technical Specifications:

• Length: 111.5 meters
• Beam: 22.4 meters
• 3D Electric Controlled Motion Compensated walk-to-work gangway
• Heave compensated offshore subsea crane (150 tons)
• Accommodation for 120 personnel on board (POB)

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