VARD, one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialized vessels, is pleased to announce that we have signed a very important contract for the design and construction of one state-of-the-art hybrid power Ocean Energy Construction Vessel  for the Norwegian shipping group Island Offshore. The parties have also agreed on an option for two more vessels.

Island Offshore is a Norwegian shipping group operating in the Oil and Gas and Renewable markets. Island Offshore Management AS, a leading provider of advanced marine operations, today operates a fleet of 19 vessels. In 2020/2021 Island Offshore took delivery of three vessels from VARD, including the Island Victory, and now once again choose Vard as their preferred provider to the fleet renewal program.

– We are proud to present the next generation OECVs with versatile capabilities that will ensure long-term employment as the energies of the ocean evolve. We strongly believe in the vessel concept and look forward to presenting the vessel to our clients, says Morten Ulstein, Chairman of Island Offshore.

The vessel is of VARD 3 25 design developed in close collaboration between Island Offshore and VARD.

The vessel is designed for best possible station-keeping, maneuverability, and sea-keeping abilities. The design allows for flexible configuration and versatility depending on the specific operations to be performed. The hull is optimized for efficient operations, and the vessel is also prepared for alternative low emission fuel.

The vessel will undertake subsea operations including IMR (inspection, maintenance, and repair), pipe laying, subsea infrastructure construction and installation, diving support, and equipment for remotely operated underwater inspection. Further, the vessel is prepared for renewable work scopes such as walk-to-work, commissioning, cable laying and repairs, trenching and survey. The vessel is also prepared for installation of a gangway system and has a heave compensated offshore subsea crane of 250 tons.

VARD is a total provider on the vessel. Through our integrated value chain, we are delivering the design, building the hull, and outfit – integrate and commission the ship for the customer.

The Vard Group’s high technology subsidiary Vard Electro is participating in the project with comprehensive deliveries of SeaQ equipment and green solutions, including SeaQ Power with energy storage systems and SeaQ shore connection, SeaQ Bridge with full integration and an extensive SeaQ Communication network that includes network and entertainment systems.

The SeaQ Control system will have the innovative and 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 green HVAC R system aiming to create a good living and working environment onboard the vessel.

Kristian Sætre is Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing in VARD and has been responsible for the commercial part of the contract:

– During the years, VARD has delivered an impressive 41 vessels to Island Offshore. It is a pleasure to announce that Island Offshore once more place the order for their new investment at VARD. We are looking forward to continuing the collaboration.

The hull of the vessels 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 Q1 2027.

Overall technical information:

• Length of 120 meters and a beam of 25 meters
• Heave compensated offshore subsea crane of 250 tons
• Engine set prepared for alternative low emission fuel
• Accommodation for 130 persons on board; first class crew and client facilities
• DP 2 capabilities
• Energy Storage System 1MHW for hybrid propulsion
• Heat Recovery System
• 2 x launch and recovery systems (LARS) for ROV
• Prepared for walk-to-work gangway