Windward Offshore Lines Up Key Suppliers for New CSOV Fleet
With four commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) currently under construction, German shipowner Windward Offshore has formed strategic partnerships with major industry suppliers such as Ampelmann, MAN Energy Solutions, and others, to ensure safe and high-quality delivery of the vessels.The CSOVS, two being built in Norway and two in Vietnam, are part of the contracts Windward Offshore signed with Vard for the design and construction of two hybrid CSOVs, which was later expanded to four vessels.The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2025…
Edda Wind’s Newbuild CSOV Hits Water in Vietnam
Norwegian offshore wind vessel owner Edda Wind has launched its Vard-built Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) in Vietnam, which will be put to its maiden job at offshore wind project in Taiwan following delivery scheduled for 2025.The vessel, NB967, was launched from a floating dock on December 1, 2024, ensuring the process was controlled and slow.Prior to the launch, the yard held a ceremony in accordance with the traditional Vietnamese blessing of the vessel.The vessel…
Lloyd’s Register Clears Vard’s Two Methanol-Ready Offshore Wind CSOVs
Norwegian shipbuilder Vard, part of Fincantieri Group, has secured Lloyd’s Register’s Approval in Principle (AiP) of the methanol fueling system for two offshore wind Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) being built for North Star.With the AiP, the two ships will be amongst the first prepared for conversion to green fuels in the wind market.The CSOVs are of VARD 422 design and are tailor-made for the UK’s infrastructure support vessel operator North Star, with new methanol ready hybrid-propulsion solutions.VARD 4 22 is Vard’s first methanol ready project…
Norwind Offshore Takes Delivery of Vard-Built CSOV
Norwegian shipbuilder Vard has delivered a newbuild Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) to Norwind Offshore, which has been named Norwind Helm.The vessel naming ceremony was held in Ålesund on November 15, 2024, marking the fifth vessel delivery from Vard to Norwind Offshore, a company that offers specialized vessels designed for advanced maritime operations in the development and service of the offshore wind sector..The CSOVs designed and built for Norwind Offshore are tailor-made for world-wide services…
Olympic Takes Delivery of Second CSOV from Ulstein
Norwegian shipowner Olympic has taken delivery of Olympic Notos, the second of two Construction Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) built by Ulstein.The vessel is based on the SX222 design, and has now joined its sister vessel Olympic Boreas.The Olympic Notos was developed in close partnership with Ulstein, incorporating the TWIN X-STERN design and hybrid power solutions to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.This innovative design enhances operability and stability, allowing…
North Star Gets Its First CSOV Contract
UK-based offshore vessel owner North Star has secured its first contract for a commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) from EnBW, which will be deployed at 960 MW He Dreiht offshore wind farm in Germany.This award for the newbuild Grampian Kestrel CSOV of VARD 4 22 design, will precede the decade-long minimum charter contract the firm signed in February to provide a service operation vessel (SOV) for the German energy utility firm’s He Dreiht wind farm in the North Sea.Tailored for the commissioning phase…
Vard Secures Deal to Build Another CSOV for Norwind Offshore
Vard, Norwegian subsidiary of the Fincantieri Group, has signed a new contract for the design and construction of one tailor-made Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) for Navigare Capital Partners.The contract, established in close collaboration with Norwind Offshore in which Navigare Capital Partners holds a shareholding position, represents the first option to be exercised from the agreement signed in March 2024.In addition to this contract, Vard and Navigare Capital Partners have also agreed on two new options where the first one can be declared later in 2024…
CBED’s Wind Evolution CSOV to Stay a Little Longer with Hughes Subsea
Danish shipowner CBED has secured a one-year contract extension with Hughes Subsea, an OEG Renewables company, for its Wind Evolution commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV).Only six months into the Wind Evolution’s first contract with Hughes Subsea, the charter has now been extended one year and will run until January 2026.Earlier this year, CBED announced the first project for the newly acquired CSOV, Wind Evolution, with Hughes Subsea.Since then, Wind Evolution has been assigned to the offshore wind farm, Dogger Bank in U.K.
German JV Orders Four New Vessels for Offshore Energy Market
A joint venture between Schoeller Holdings and Deutsche Offshore Schifffahrt has ordered four construction commissioning service operation vessels (C-CSOVs) from the Chinese shipyard for offshore wind and wider offshore energy sector.The construction commissioning service operation vessels (C-CSOVs) have been ordered from CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, a member of the China State Shipbuilding Group, for delivery beginning in early 2027.The vessels will be able accommodate on board up to 100 technicians…
Anglo-Eastern to Manage Windcat’s Hydrogen-Powered CSOV
Offshore personnel transfer company Windcat, part of CMB.TECH, has partnered with Anglo-Eastern for the technical and crewing management of the first out six ordered hydrogen-powered Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs).Windcat has ordered six Elevation Series CSOVs, to be built by Damen Shipyards, with the latest ordered placed in July 2024.Windcat already collaborated with Anglo-Eastern Technical Services (AETS), Anglo-Eastern's technical consulting arm, which was…
Rem Offshore Orders New CSOV from Vard
Norway-based offshore vessel owner Rem Offshore has signed a contract with shipbuilder Vard for the design and construction of a new commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) for offshore wind services.This will be the third CSOV Vard will deliver to Rem Offshore. The first two, REM Power and REM Wind, were delivered in 2023 and 2024 respectively.The CSOV is tailored to provide services during the construction, operation, and maintenance of offshore wind farms worldwide.It will feature VARD 4 19 design, developed by Vard Design in Ålesund.
Damen Hooks Another CSOV Order from Taiwanese Firm
Dutch shipbuilder Damen has signed a deal with Ta San Shang Marine (TSSM) for the construction of the second commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) for Taiwanese offshore wind operations.TSSM, the joint venture between Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Ta Tong Marine, placed an order for the second Damen 9010 CSOV, set for delivery at the end of 2026.When the new vessel is delivered, TSSM will deploy it at Taiwanese offshore wind farms, increasing its fleet to three service…
Damen to Build Sixth Dual-Fuel Hydrogen CSOV for Windcat
Dutch shipbuilder Damen has secured a contract to build the sixth commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) for offshore personnel transfer provider Windcat.The contract marks the further strengthening of the working relationship between Damen, Windcat and CMB.TECH, working on the 'Elevation Series' of CSOVs.Windcat will deploy the ‘Elevation Series’ to provide in-field technical and maintenance support to offshore wind farms for up to 30 days at a time.Damen will build the sixth CSOV at Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam…
Acta Marine’s CSOV Newbuild to Sail Under French Flag
Dutch offshore vessel owner Acta Marine has announced the expansion into French maritime and offshore energy market with the newbuild construction service operations vessel (CSOV) named Acta Pegasus.The fourth vessel in Acta Marine’s fleet, currently under construction in Turkey, will fly the French flag, showcasing the company’s commitment to the French maritime industry and the intention to further strengthen its foothold in France.The CSOV, named Acta Pegasus, is of Ulstein SX216 design, and features an optimized hull and ability to use (e- )methanol as main fuel According to Acta Marine, t
Damen Presents Offshore Charging Solution for Electric CTVs
Damen Shipyards Group has developed a new concept for offshore charging for fully electric crew transfer vessels (CTVs) operating at offshore wind farms.The system envisages a fully electric CTV which can charge either at offshore wind turbine or one of Damen’s commissioning service operations vessels (CSOVs) outfitted with a charger.The charging system that Damen has applied to its concept is developed by UK-based MJR, a specialist in offshore charging systems.The CTV would connect…
Vard to Build Two CSOVs for Taiwanese Client
Norwegian shipbuilder Vard has signed a contract with an undisclosed Taiwanese customer for the design and construction of two Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs).The customer has appointed VARD to design and construct two CSOVs’ of VARD 4 39 design.This is a new design from VARD, said to be highly versatile all-round platform for sustainable windfarm support operations both as a service vessel for the wind farms and for the building and installation phase.The first vessel will be built…
Windward Offshore to Equip CSOV Newbuild Duo with Seaonics’ Cranes
German shipowner Windward Offshore has ordered 3D Electric Controlled Motion Compensated (ECMC) cranes from Seaonics for two Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) being built by Norwegian shipbuilder VARD.The order marks Seaonics' first equipment delivery to Windward Offshore, a company founded by Blue Star Group, Diana Shipping and SeraVerse, in collaboration with and under the leadership of SeaRenergy Group.The first CSOV is scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2025…
Bibby Marine Places Order for ‘World’s First’ eCSOV
Bibby Marine has signed a shipbuilding contract with Gondan Shipbuilders to construct what is said to be the world’s first zero-emission, electric commissioning service operation vessel (eCSOV).The eCSOV will be built in Gondan’s Asturias shipyard in Spain and is scheduled to be delivered in 2026.Designed in collaboration with UK-based ship designers Longitude, the eCSOV, will feature a powerful battery system, complemented by dual-fuel methanol engines for emissions-free operations.
SOVs – Analyzing Current, Future Demand Drivers
At a high-level, there are three solutions to transferring technicians from shore bases to offshore wind farms for construction and O&M activities: crew transfer vessel (CTV), helicopter, and SOVs/CSOVs.SOVs and CSOVs generally house 60-120 technicians offshore for a few weeks at a time, allowing them to transfer to structures on integrated heave compensated gangways, by daughter craft or on CTVs. The vessels are also equipped with cranes, storage, and small workshop areas.SOV: Service operations vessels…
Vard to Deliver Tailor-Made Offshore Wind CSOV for Norwind Offshore
Norwegian shipbuilder Vard has secured a contract for the design and construction of one tailor-made offshore wind commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) for Norwind Offshore, with options for two additional vessels.Vard signed the contract with Navigare Capital Partners, a shareholder in Norwind Offshore.The new CSOV vessel, scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2026, is of VARD 4 19 design, developed by Vard Design in Ålesund in close collaboration with Norwind Offshore.The hull will be built in Vard Shipyards Romania – Braila and the outfitting…
Kongsberg to Equip Four Offshore Wind CSOVs Being Built by Ulstein Verft
Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract with Ulstein Verft for the supply of an extensive equipment package for four wind farm commissioning service operation vessels (CSOV), two for Bernhard Schulte Offshore and two for J.P. Morgan Asset Management.The 90-meter vessels are being built at Ulstein Verft, to the ULSTEIN SX222 design. Kongsberg Maritime will supply the same range of equipment to all four vessels.Bernhard Schulte Offshore Orders Two Ulstein CSOVsUlstein Inks Deals…
IWS to Provide CSOV Fleet for Siemens Gamesa Offshore Wind Projects
Integrated Wind Solutions (IWS) has, through its wholly-owned subsidiary IWS Fleet, entered into a frame term agreement with Siemens Gamesa to provide its commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) fleet for offshore wind farms in North Europe.IWS Fleet will, under the agreement, provide the Skywalker-class walk-to-work CSOVs to support offshore turbine commissioning works across multiple Siemens Gamesa offshore projects in North Europe over a three-year period starting in 2025.The minimum commitment under the charter agreement covers about 1…
SCHOTTEL to Propel Windcat Offshore's Latest Walk-to-Work CSOVs
The first three new Walk-to-Work Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) built by the Dutch Damen Group for Windcat Offshore will be powered by full propulsion packages from SCHOTTEL. With vessel sizes of 87 metres by 20 metres, each CSOV will come with high-comfort accommodation for 120 passengers, and will provide a large warehouse and deck as well as various recreational areas and a hospital. The vessels will be powered by hydrogen and use a DP-2 control system. The…