The Vard shipyard, which belongs to the Fincantieri Group, is to build two Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOV) for a Taiwanese customer. The vessels are the Vard 4 39, a new design from the shipbuilder.
According to the shipyard, this type of vessel is an “extremely versatile all-round platform” for supporting offshore wind farms. The units will be used both as service vessels for the wind farms and for the construction and installation phase.
The vessels for the unnamed Taiwanese customer are equipped with a large outer deck and a hull shape that supports both fuel-efficient operation and the future integration of modular power and fibre optic cable laying and repair.
“The vessels have been developed with great design flexibility to meet future operational requirements. The design focuses on the environmental footprint with an efficient machinery and propulsion configuration for high station-keeping capability, improved workability and operational reliability,” the shipyard said of the CSOV contract.
The design includes a complete electrical equipment package as part of a forward-looking strategy for electrification and the provision of improved, reliable operations on board the vessels. This includes a powerful battery pack, a crane and a W2W gangway system. The CSOVs are also reportedly equipped for future fuels.
The ships have a total hotel capacity of 120 people, 90 of whom are accommodated in large individual cabins. The operational centres, such as offices, meeting rooms, conference rooms and lounges, have been designed to meet the high demands of the market.
