Fincantieri Group company Vard has signed another important contract for the design and construction of a hybrid power ocean energy construction vessel (OECV) for Norwegian shipping group Island Offshore, the second such order from Island Offshore from Vard.
Island Offshore is a Norwegian shipping group operating in the oil and gas and renewable markets. Island Offshore Management, a provider of advanced marine operations, currently operates a fleet of 19 vessels. In May 2024, Island Offshore and Vard signed a contract for one firm OECVs with an option for two sister vessels. This new contract confirms the first option.
Island Offshore Chairman Morten Ulstein said: “We are happy to confirm this order, demonstrating our faith in the market outlook and our commitment to continue renewing our fleet. The vessel will further strengthen Island Offshore’s positioning in attractive market segments based on a fleet of versatile advanced offshore vessels.”
Through Vard’s integrated value chain, the company is delivering the design, hull construction and outfitting as well as integrating and commissioning. Vard Group’s high technology subsidiary Vard Electro will provide SeaQ equipment and sustainable solutions, including SeaQ Power with energy storage systems and SeaQ shore connection, SeaQ Bridge with full integration and an extensive SeaQ Communication network. The SeaQ Control system will include a new portable monitoring station that enhances the flexibility and accessibility for the operators to monitor and manage the maritime operations. This new tool is an integral part of the SeaQ IAS and SeaQ ePMS systems that enable digital solutions to be seamlessly shared within the cyber-proof network onboard and onshore.
Vard Interiors will deliver modern Interior solutions and energy efficient HVAC R system aiming to create a good living and working environment onboard the vessel.
Kristian Sætre, Vard SVP Sales & Marketing said: “The design of the first vessel has been carried out according to plan and in close dialogue with the customer, Island Offshore. It is gratifying that Island Offshore has decided to realise the first option, a signal of our good cooperation and of the belief in a future market for a future-oriented vessel.”
The hull will be built at one of Vard’s shipyards in Romania, while the outfitting, commissioning and delivery will be from one of the shipyards in Norway. The vessel is scheduled to be delivered in 2027. It will be 120m long and 25m in the beam, with accommodation for up to 130 personnel and DP2 capabilities. The engines will be prepared for alternative low emission fuel, backed with a heat recovery system and a 1.7MWh energy storage system for hybrid propulsion.
Image: Vard Hybrid design for Island Offshore (source: Vard)
