THE construction of a new service operations vessel (SOV) aims to create new jobs and support two of the world’s largest offshore windfarms.
North Star has secured a contract with Siemens Gamesa to build a hybrid SOV bound for long-term charter at the East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm development.
This adds an eighth hybrid offshore wind ship to the organisation’s renewables fleet since it expanded into the market just over two years ago.
The company hopes to add a further 32 vessels to reach its target of manufacturing 40 SOVs to the business by 2040.
Robert Catchpole, North Star COO, said: “We are thrilled to start a new relationship with Siemens Gamesa, one of the most pioneering and well-respected global OEM wind turbine technology manufacturers.
“This marks our first SOV contract in the southern North Sea, which will be serviced by our talented operational team stationed strategically in the region to provide dedicated support throughout.
“It also presents a wealth of prospects for both our seasoned seafarers and aspiring crew members, while opening up additional opportunities for our local supply chain.
“This achievement not only underscores our commitment to driving operational excellence, but also solidifies our position as a key player in project management, delivering multiple vessels simultaneously.”
The firm has so far delivered three out of four planned SOVs ahead of schedule to the Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which is being operated out of Port of Tyne.
The East Anglia wind farms will have a total capacity of 1,400MW, generating green electricity to power the equivalent of more than 1.3m homes.
Pedro Fernandez, ScottishPower Renewables’ East Anglia THREE project director, said: It’s fantastic to have North Star on board for East Anglia THREE and playing a major role in powering a clean energy future for us all.
“This is a great example of the opportunities windfarms like ours can create for local supply chains and underlines the East of England’s position as a global centre of excellence for the offshore wind industry.
“We look forward to seeing the new vessel take shape over the next couple of years and getting to work on the windfarm once commissioned.”
The construction project for the SOV of VARD 4 19 has been awarded by North Star to Cochin Shipyard Ltd in India.
The vessel will accommodate up to 60 of its client’s wind technicians as they support maintenance operations across all 95 wind turbines at the East Anglia Hub development.
To ensure safe crew transfers, it has a height adjustable motion compensated gangway and also features North Star’s Decision Support system to support net zero carbon objectives.
The new SOV is due to be delivered to Siemens Gamesa to commence operations for the East Anglia THREE development in late 2026.
The contract will be front run by one of North Star’s two commissioning SOVs, the CSOV Kestrel from April the same year.
Andrew Viles, Siemens Gamesa’s head of operations for Northern Europe, said: “We are pleased that North Star will be building a new SOV to support the East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm project.
This agreement continues to highlight our focus and commitment to providing high-performing and long-term offshore service logistics solutions to our operations and customers.”
North Star, which has bases in Aberdeen, Newcastle and Hamburg, plans to recruit a further 34 crew for the new SOV.
