Vard to build two methanol-ready CSOVs for North Star

New contracts have been signed between shipbuilder Vard and support vessel operator North Star for the design and construction of two commissioning service operation vessels. The CSOVs’ hulls will be built at a Vard shipyard in Romania and then outfitted, commissioned and delivered from one of its yards in Norway in 2025.

Based on Vard’s 4 22 design – a bespoke design for North Star – the CSOVs will be built to conduct commissioning and maintenance operations within the offshore wind sector. Each vessel will be equipped with a new methanol-ready hybrid propulsion system, ensuring they are capable of running on the clean fuel when infrastructure is available. The vessels will also feature an optimized hull design to deliver low resistance and a reduced fuel consumption.

Each CSOV will also feature technology from Vard Electro’s flexible SeaQ portfolio, providing power, control, bridge and navigation, and communication solutions. By implementing the SeaQ package, the vessels will be able to use battery technology to enable hybrid operation.

“The new contracts with North Star contribute to strengthening Vard’s leading position within the market for offshore windfarm support vessels,” said Alberto Maestrini, CEO, Vard.

“We are very proud of being selected by North Star and we will provide vessels with innovative solutions specifically developed by Vard for this type of applications. These contracts are in line with our mission to enable sustainable business at sea: as a shipbuilder, it is a huge motivation for us to be able to effectively contribute to the green transition.”