VARD delivers Toyo cable layer as Japan offshore wind fleet expands

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VARD has delivered a hybrid construction and cable laying vessel to Toyo Construction, marking the Norwegian shipbuilder’s first vessel delivery into Japan’s offshore wind market.

The handover took place at Vard Langsten in Norway on 26 June, with representatives from Toyo Construction and the Vard Group attending the delivery ceremony. The vessel is based on the VARD 9 15 design and was delivered on time, according to the company.

For Toyo Construction, the delivery adds a large purpose built offshore asset as Japan prepares for more offshore wind work, including cable laying, foundation related operations, floating wind mooring work and other marine construction projects.

The vessel is the first that Toyo Construction has ordered from VARD. It is also VARD’s first delivery to the Japanese wind farm market.

Toyo’s Representative Director and President Tatsuyoshi Nakamura said the company was preparing the vessel for full scale operations in Japan.

“We are honored to celebrate this milestone in partnership with VARD and the many stakeholders who have contributed to making this vessel a reality,” Nakamura said. “As we prepare for full scale operations in Japan, we remain dedicated to building long term value for our clients, partners, and the communities we serve.”

The project was built through VARD’s international yard network. The hull was constructed at Vard Shipyards Romania in Tulcea, while outfitting, commissioning and delivery were completed at Vard Langsten in Norway.

The vessel measures 151 metres in length and has a beam of 28 metres. It has cable carrying capacity of 9,000 tons and is designed as a self propelled cable laying vessel with added construction capability.

That combination matters. A cable layer that can also support wider offshore construction work is more like a multi tool than a single purpose machine. It can shift between cable work, foundation support, floating wind mooring assignments and marine resource related projects, depending on the job.

The vessel is equipped with a removable cable lay system and two offshore cranes. It also has a large working deck, a high performance crane, a four point mooring system and a helideck.

VARD said the vessel has been designed for Japanese operating conditions, including shallow water and deep water work linked to floating offshore wind and DC power transmission projects.

Vard Group Chairman Alberto Maestrini said the vessel reflected close cooperation between Toyo Construction, ClassNK and VARD.

“VARD is proud to deliver this complex and modern vessel to Toyo Construction,” Maestrini said. “She is truly a product of a strong collaboration with Toyo Construction, Class NK and Vard Group.”

He said the project required engineering flexibility to meet Japanese class and flag requirements. Maestrini also described the vessel as the largest purpose built cable lay vessel in Japan with dual capability.

The vessel has been developed with hybrid and shore power systems aimed at reducing emissions during operations and port stays.

Its equipment package includes a large battery pack, shore supply connection and energy management system. VARD said the setup is intended to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2, NOx and SOx emissions.

Vard Electro supplied SeaQ equipment and solutions, including SeaQ Power, energy storage systems, switchboards and shore connection. It also delivered onboard network, entertainment and communication systems.

Vard Interiors delivered interior systems and green HVAC R solutions for the vessel’s living and working spaces.

Toyo Construction is active in civil and architectural construction in Japan and overseas, with a strong position in offshore construction. Its work includes container terminals, marine airports and other marine infrastructure.

The company has placed offshore wind at the centre of its medium term business plan, identifying the sector as a growth driver. The new vessel gives Toyo additional in house capability at a time when offshore wind projects require specialised marine assets, not only turbines and cables.

For Japan, the delivery also points to a wider supply chain issue. Offshore wind is not only about seabed leases and power offtake. It also depends on vessels, ports, cranes, cable systems, engineering teams and weather windows. Without those assets, project schedules remain exposed.

VARD is majority owned by Fincantieri Oil & Gas, part of Italy’s Fincantieri Group. The company operates shipbuilding facilities in Norway, Romania, Brazil and Vietnam, and supplies design, power, automation, deck handling and accommodation solutions for specialised vessels.