In the year it celebrates 20 years of operation, shipping company Island Offshore has ordered a large ocean energy construction vessel from Vard with options for two more, designed and equipped to continue the transition from oil and gas-related activities to more work in new energy markets related to the sea.
This is based on a new and improved design, modern low-emission technology, and efficient maritime operations. Island Offshore claims solid experience, which it has accumulated over 20 years as a shipping company. When Island Offshore Management took over Island Frontier, hull number 137 from Søviknes Yard, in April 2004, the UT 737 L was the first design built according to DNV’s rules for ship-shaped well intervention units and the Norwegian Maritime Authority’s requirements for mobile offshore units. This also began the company’s focus on light well intervention. Island Frontier received considerable media attention upon delivery.
For many years, the Ulstein family had been co-owners of several ships operated by other shipping companies. These projects were terminated before and after the delivery of Island Frontier, and the long-term collaboration with the Chouest family was established. Since then, Island Offshore has taken delivery of more than 50 offshore vessels—all from Norwegian shipyards and with Norwegian suppliers as essential partners.
Owner Håvard Ulstein said: “We are proud that Island Frontier is still part of our fleet. The ideas and thinking behind this project have propelled the company forward and inspired many other ships to be added to the fleet later. We like to think that we are committed to innovation and entrepreneurship, and that this has been fully demonstrated through 20 years as a pioneering force among offshore shipping companies.”
The upcoming fleet vessels are of the Vard 3 25 design, developed in collaboration with Island Offshore. At 120m long, the DP2 vessels are designed for stable, flexible, and efficient operations, boasting good seakeeping qualities and a strong environmental profile. They will be equipped with alternative-fuel ready engines and a battery hybrid system, and will feature advanced heat-recovery systems. The vessels are versatile and capable of flexible applications such as subsea operations, including IMR (inspection, maintenance, and repair), pipe laying, seabed installations, W2W, cable laying, and repairs.
CEO Tommy Walaunet said: “We strongly believe in the future and are proud to be able to invest again after many difficult years. This is tomorrow’s workplace at sea, and we hope customers will welcome the boats warmly. The development and renewal of the fleet are necessary to ensure the long-term and profitable operation of the company. The world needs energy from the sea.”
The first ship will be named Island Evolution to symbolise the focus on development and future belief among Island Offshore’s owners and employees, and is due for delivery in Q1 2027.
Image: Island Offshore’s new construction vessels will be designed and built by Vard (source: Island Offshore)
