Shipbuilder Vard, part of the Fincantieri group, has delivered the CSOV (Commissioning Service Operation Vessel) ‘Norwind Helm’ to Norwind Offshore.
This is the fifth vessel in the series Vard has delivered to Norwegian Norwind Offshore, a company that offers specialised vessels designed for advanced maritime operations in the development and service of the offshore wind sector.
The CSOVs for Norwind Offshore are designed and built for world-wide services, support, and maintenance operations at offshore wind farms. The Vard 4 19 design has been developed by Vard Design in Ålesund, Norway, as a versatile platform for all offshore windfarm support operations, focusing on onboard logistics, security, comfort, and operability. The vessels are equipped to provide services during construction, operation, and maintenance of offshore windfarms.
Norwind Offshore CEO Svein Leon Aure said: “Norwind Offshore is very pleased to take delivery of newbuild 952 – Norwind Helm from Vard, also delivered ahead of schedule. This marks the completion of the construction programme we started three years ago, and we have now taken delivery of five vessels from Vard. Our experiences have been very good, and we are very satisfied with the quality and reliability of the vessels. With these vessels, our company has established itself as a serious player in the offshore wind market, and we look forward to continuing the good work. It is especially nice to see that Norwind Helm goes straight into operation on assignment for one of the major wind turbine suppliers already tomorrow. Thanks to everyone involved for their dedication and effort. We look forward to continuing our good work together.”
Norwind Helm has a length of 85m, beam of 19.5m, and is equipped with a height-adjustable and 3D motion-compensated gangway with elevator system, a stand-alone 3D crane, and a height-adjustable boat landing system. Battery systems are installed for hybrid operations. The CSOV has accommodation for 87 persons on board.
Vard CEO Cathrine Kristiseter Marti said: “I am proud of the work we do in Vard Group together with our suppliers to constantly provide our customers with the vessels they need. This is the third vessel Vard delivers to Norwind Offshore in 2024, and this is truly a Norwegian delivery with local suppliers as Kongsberg, Ekornes, Jets, Maritime Partners, Ulmatec Pyro and many others. The maritime cluster on the Northwest coast of Norway has once again delivered a world class vessel. I am sure that Norwind Helm will be a great asset for Norwind Offshore and their partners. Congratulations on the new vessel. I wish her and her crew fair winds and following seas.”
The hull of Norwind Helm was built at Vard Shipyards Romania – Braila, with outfitting and completion at Vard Brattvaag in Norway. Delivery was two weeks ahead of contractual delivery date.
The other vessels delivered to Norwind Offshore in this vessel series are: Norwind Breeze – 2022 (SOV); Norwind Gale – 2023 (CSOV); Norwind Hurricane – 2024 (CSOV) and Norwind Storm 2024 (CSOV).
Image: ‘Norwind Helm’ (source: still from Vard Group video)
