VARD, one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialized vessels, gas announced that Cochin Shipyard Limited in India are building two Service Operation Vessels (SOVs), one of VARD 4 07 and one of VARD 4 19 design for North Star.

Cochin Shipyard Limited is a partly public, government shipyard in India. In the last three decades the company has emerged as a forerunner in the Indian shipbuilding and ship repair industry. VARD has previously delivered 12 designs to the Cochin Shipyard Ltd.

FIRST SOV
The first hybrid electric SOV to be delivered by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. is of VARD 4 07 design and is tailored to meet North Star’s specific requirements. The focus has been to develop a competitive and compact vessel with a fuel-efficient configuration providing high operability.

The ship has fully equipped accommodations for a total of 55 persons and a 3D motion compensated crane. Side loading warehouse facilities with step-less access to the height adjustable 3D motion compensated gangway ensures efficient flow of goods and technicians.

The vessel is to be delivered to North Star for a long-term charter with one of the largest energy companies in Germany and Europe, EnBW, to operate the He Dreiht wind farm. Scheduled to commence long-term charter with EnBW from the end of next year, the walk-to-work vessel will host technicians as they maintain the 64 wind turbines. The SOV will also act as a logistics hub and warehouse.

SECOND SOV
The second SOV is of VARD 4 19 design and is very similar to vessels formerly delivered to North Star from VARD.

The hybrid electric VARD 4 19 design will accommodate up to 80 persons in single cabins, thereof 60 of its client’s wind technicians to support maintenance operations across all 95 wind turbines at the East Anglia Hub development. This SOV is due to be delivered to Siemens Gamesa to commence operations in late 2026.

EQUIPMENT
Both vessels will be equipped with an extensive SeaQ system package from Vard Electro that enables a hybrid diesel-battery-electric propulsion system for enhanced energy efficiency. In addition, the high specification VARD 4 19 vessel will be designed with an even more advanced power system that combines the DC Switchboard with the SeaQ Energy Storage System. This integration will streamline onboard energy utilization and optimize distribution systems, leading to higher overall efficiency in all operating modes.

For complete control and monitoring of the vessels, including fuel consumption optimization, Vard Electro will deliver a comprehensive digital scope including SeaQ Integrated Automation System, SeaQ Power Management System, SeaQ Energy management system, and SeaQ Green Pilot.

Technical specifications VARD design 4 07:
• Length of 71 meters and a beam of 18 meters
• Step-less access to the height adjustable 3D motion compensated gangway.
• 3D motion compensated crane
• Accommodation for 55 persons on board

Technical specifications VARD design 4 19:
• Length of 90.5 meters and a beam of 19.5 meters
• Step-less access to the height adjustable 3D motion compensated gangway.
• Accommodation for 80 persons on board