VARD Secures Contract for Two Offshore Wind Commissioning Service Operation Vessels

VARD, a Norwegian subsidiary of the Fincantieri Group, has signed a contract with an undisclosed Taiwanese customer to design and build two new-design Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs). The vessels will be constructed to the VARD 4 39 design, featuring a fuel-efficient hull shape and modular power and fiber-optic cable-lay capabilities. The CSOVs are designed for sustainable wind farm support operations, with a focus on environmental footprint, fuel efficiency, and operational reliability.

Why this matters: This contract highlights Taiwan's commitment to expanding its offshore wind energy sector, which is crucial for reducing the country's reliance on fossil fuels and meeting its renewable energy goals. As the global energy landscape continues to shift towards cleaner sources, investments in sustainableinfrastructure like these CSOVs will play a vital role in supporting the transition.

The approximately 102.7-meter-long vessels will have a large external deck and a hull shape that supports fuel-efficient operation and future integration of modular power and fiber-optic cable-lay capabilities. The design includes a full electrical equipment package, featuring a powerful battery package, crane, and walk-to-work gangway system. The CSOVs will have an aggregated hotel capacity of 120 persons, with 90 large single cabins, and operational centers including offices, briefing rooms, conference room, and day rooms.

The CSOVs are prepared for future fuels and feature an efficient machinery and propulsion set-up for high station-keeping capabilities and improved workability. VARD Electro's SeaQ Bridge system will be installed, with a hybrid electrical system fully integrated through SeaQ Power to minimize emissions and maximize the operational window. The vessels will also be equipped with VARD Electro's SeaQ integrated alarm system (IAS), power management system (PMS), and energy management system (EMS).

Christian Utvik, senior vice president sales and marketing at VARD, stated, "One of VARD's advantages is our ability to collaborate closely with customers to tailor-make vessels based on the customer's needs and requirements, and this vessel has been developed in a fruitful process together with the customer." The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026, while the second vessel is planned for delivery in the first quarter of 2027.

Taiwan has been actively developing its offshore wind energy sector. The country's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) reports that Taiwan's installed offshore wind capacity has reached over 2.5 GW, with a goal to install 314 to 374 wind turbines by the end of 2024, targeting a total installed capacity of 2.56 to 3.04 GW. VARD's contract with the Taiwanese customer follows its recent agreement with Navigare Capital Partners for the design and construction of one CSOV, which will be of VARD 4 19 design.

Key Takeaways

• VARD signs contract with Taiwanese customer to build 2 Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs).
• CSOVs designed for sustainable wind farm support operations, focusing on environmental footprint and fuel efficiency.
• Vessels feature fuel-efficient hull shape, modular power, and fiber-optic cable-lay capabilities.
• Delivery scheduled for Q4 2026 and Q1 2027, with capacity for 120 persons and advanced electrical systems.
• Taiwan aims to reach 2.56-3.04 GW installed offshore wind capacity by end of 2024.