(Telestock) – VARDa Norwegian shipbuilding company controlled by the Fincantieri Grouphas signed a contract with Island Offshorea Norwegian shipowner operating in the Oil & Gas and renewables market, for the design and construction of a second hybrid-powered Ocean Energy Construction Vessel (OECV)The new agreement concerns the exercise of an option foreseen in the contract for one OECV and the option for two sister units announced with Island Offshore in May 2024.
The new unit, which delivery is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027will be based on the VARD 3 25 project, developed in close cooperation with the shipowner. The vessel will be adapted to support a wide range of submarine operationsincluding inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR), pipe laying, subsea infrastructure construction, installation and dive support. 120 meters long and 25 meters wide, the vessel will be equipped with a 250-ton active offset subsea offshore crane. Additional features include a 1.7 MWh energy storage system for hybrid propulsion, a heat recovery system for greater energy efficiency and the provision for alternative low-emission fuels.
As part of the strong partnership between Vard and Island Offshore, Vard has already delivered 41 vessels to the Norwegian group.