VARD begins Norwind CSOV outfitting beyond original delivery window

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VARD has moved a new commissioning service operation vessel for Norwind Offshore to its Søviknes yard in Norway, where the ship will undergo final outfitting, systems installation and commissioning before delivery.

The vessel, identified as NB 986, arrived at Vard Søviknes on August 14 after completing the first phase of construction at Vard Shipyards Romania in Brăila. Its transfer marks the handover between hull construction and the more complex integration work required before the ship can enter offshore wind service.

VARD’s original contract announcement in March 2024 scheduled the vessel for delivery during the first quarter of 2026. The latest update does not provide a revised delivery date, meaning NB 986 has moved beyond the delivery window initially disclosed by the shipbuilder.

The vessel was launched at Brăila in May and departed the Romanian yard on July 21 for the voyage to Norway. Final work at Søviknes will include the installation, testing and commissioning of operational equipment, accommodation systems and the vessel’s hybrid power technology.

The yard transfer follows a construction model regularly used for specialised offshore vessels. Hull work is completed at a lower cost production facility before the ship moves to Norway for equipment integration, testing and delivery preparation.

NB 986 is based on the VARD 4 19 design, which was developed by Vard Design in Ålesund with input from Norwind Offshore. The platform is intended for commissioning, service and maintenance work across different phases of an offshore wind farm’s life.

The vessel measures about 85.5 metres in length and 19.5 metres in width. It will accommodate as many as 87 people in single cabins, providing capacity for marine crew and wind turbine technicians.

Its equipment package includes a 30 metre height adjustable, motion compensated walk to work gangway supplied by Seaonics. The system allows technicians to transfer between the vessel and offshore wind installations while compensating for vessel movement.

Seaonics is also supplying a 7 tonne motion compensated crane for cargo transfers. Both systems use electric drive technology. A height adjustable boat landing arrangement will provide another method for personnel transfers.

NB 986 will be fitted with battery technology and Vard Electro’s SeaQ bridge, alarm, power management and energy management systems. These systems will monitor energy consumption and coordinate the vessel’s hybrid power installation.

Vard Interiors will supply the accommodation spaces, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and piping systems. VARD said the equipment had been selected to reduce energy use while maintaining a suitable working and living environment for personnel assigned to extended offshore campaigns.