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North Star partners with VARD for CSOVs

4C Offshore | Chloe Emanuel
By: Chloe Emanuel 09/05/2023 VARD

VARD has entered into contracts for the construction of two CSOVs (commissioning service operation vessels) for the UK's leading infrastructure support vessel operator, North Star. The agreement includes an option for two additional ships, potentially creating up to 200 new job opportunities across the CSOV fleet. North Star, owned by Partners Group, is committed to delivering 40 offshore wind ships by 2040 to meet the growing demand for offshore wind O&M logistical support in the UK and Europe.

The vessel designs by North Star have been specifically tailored for commissioning and maintenance operations in the offshore wind industry. The vessels are based on the unique VARD 4 22 design, developed in collaboration with Vard Design in Norway. These ships feature a hull design optimized for fuel efficiency, operational capability, and comfort.

The North Star CEO, Matthew Gordon, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing partnership with VARD, highlighting the shipyard's reliability and expertise in the CSOV market.

The CSOVs are versatile platforms designed to support offshore wind farm operations, focusing on logistics, storage capacity, and operability. They are prepared for future operation on methanol, offering a sustainable option. The vessels will be equipped with technology from Vard Electro's SeaQ portfolio, providing solutions for power, control, navigation, and communication. Utilizing battery technology for hybrid operations enables smarter and more energy efficient practices, leading to reduced emissions and fuel consumption.

These new contracts build upon North Star's existing collaboration with VARD, which includes four SOV newbuild orders in Vietnam for long term charters to support the Dogger Bank offshore wind farms. The first three ships are set to commence operations ahead of schedule this year, with the final vessel scheduled for delivery in 2024.

With the offshore wind market expanding rapidly in the UK and Europe, North Star's commitment to these new vessels aims to offer flexibility and reliability to clients in future tenders, considering the anticipated scarcity of yard slots. The company is supported by majority shareholder Partners Group and corporate debt facilities, ensuring the financial backing necessary to meet clients' project needs efficiently in a dynamic market.


For everything you need to know about the strategies used to support the construction and O&M of offshore wind farms, current and future, including supply and demand for service and accommodation vessels, and helicopters -  click here.

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