Following an order for Kongsberg Maritime (KM) announced in June 2021 to design and equip two construction service operation vessels (CSOVs/SOVs) for the Norway-based offshore wind service company Integrated Wind Solutions ASA (IWS), the company has received a contract for integrated equipment packages for two further vessels in the series for delivery in 2024.
IWS already has the two identical vessels on order for delivery in 2023, mentioned above, and option agreements for up to two additional vessels, making this a potential six-vessel series. The fleet has been designed specifically for the renewable offshore wind market, with a clear focus on reduced emissions and enhanced sustainability. The vessels will be built to KM’s UT 5519 DE design by the shipyard China Merchant Heavy Industries (CMHI), with which KM has a long and close relationship.
The UT 5519 DE has a double-ended hull form and propulsion set-up, incorporating results from research and development projects as well as operational experience from KM’s wind farm service vessel designs to minimise emissions and maximise manoeuvrability and efficiency. The vessels are built around a technological backbone provided by a comprehensive KM-supplied integrated equipment solution, which includes permanent magnet azimuth thrusters, generators, electrical systems, a fully integrated bridge with navigation, dynamic positioning (DP) and automation systems, deck machinery equipment and control systems.
IWS CEO Lars-Henrik Røren said: “We see increased interest in our vessels and the integrated services that IWS provides, as demonstrated by our charter contracts with Dogger Bank Offshore Windfarm.”
IWS COO Christopher Andersen Heidenreich added: “We are very pleased to strengthen and build upon our relationship with Kongsberg both through the design and development phase and in the future, as we look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that our vessels operate as sustainably, humanely and efficiently as possible.”
KM President Egil Haugsdal said: “IWS’s determination to promote humane, environmentally-friendly, safe and efficient offshore operations is entirely consistent with Kongsberg’s mission to incorporate sustainability in everything we do. This fleet of important and highly innovative vessels will set a new benchmark for CSOVs, further reinforcing Kongsberg Maritime’s market position in the growing renewable energy segment.”
