VARD AS, a subsidiary of Fincantieri, has successfully secured a shipbuilding contract from an undisclosed Taiwanese client to engineer and construct two commissioning service operation vessels (CSOV). These vessels will be crafted utilizing the innovative VARD 4 39 design, as announced by VARD in a recent press release.
The VARD 4 39 design is hailed as a versatile platform catering to a spectrum of sustainable wind farm support operations, serving as both a service vessel during wind farm operations and in the construction and installation phases.
Distinguished by a spacious external deck and a hull configuration optimized for fuel-efficient CSOV operations, these vessels are also primed for the future incorporation of modular power and fiber optic cable lay and repair capabilities, according to VARD.
The design emphasizes environmental stewardship, integrating efficient machinery and propulsion systems to facilitate precise station-keeping, enhanced maneuverability, and dependable operation. Moreover, the vessels boast a comprehensive electrical equipment package, featuring a robust battery bank, crane, and gangway system, while remaining adaptable to future fuel alternatives.
VARD’s comprehensive service approach encompasses the entirety of the vessel construction process, encompassing design, hull construction, outfitting, integration, and commissioning. This holistic approach ensures a seamless and efficient build process for the customer.
The CSOVs will be equipped with Vard Electro’s SeaQ Bridge system, facilitating seamless integration of the vessel’s hybrid electrical system through SeaQ Power, aimed at minimizing emissions and optimizing operational efficiency.
Additionally, the vessels will feature Vard Electro’s SeaQ Integrated Alarm System (IAS), Power Management System (PMS), and Energy Management System (EMS), enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Further augmenting the vessels’ functionality, VARD’s subsidiary Seaonics will supply a fully electric lift and handling system, featuring a 30-meter walk-to-work gangway with Electric Controlled Motion Compensation (ECMC), a three-ton 3D compensated crane, and a dedicated personnel elevator.
Christian Utvik, Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing at VARD, expressed optimism regarding the collaboration with the client, highlighting VARD’s commitment to delivering tailor-made solutions aligned with the customer’s unique requirements. Utvik emphasized VARD’s dedication to sustainable practices in the offshore wind sector, underscoring the collective pursuit of a greener maritime industry.