Fincantieri Group company Vard has signed a contract with the Taiwanese based company Dong Fang Offshore (DFO) for the design and construction of a Vard 3 39 design Offshore Construction Vessel (OCV), with option(s) for further ships.
DFO is involved in the marine construction, operations and maintenance services for the offshore wind, energy and telecoms industries. This is the third vessel Vard is building for DFO, with the first two being Commissioning Service Operations Vessels (CSOVs), contracted in May 2024.
The 121.3m long vessel contracted is a versatile design, equipped for subsea operation duties, offshore wind operations and maintenance activities, as well as cable installation and repair scopes in the offshore wind and telecoms sectors. An optimised hull form will ensure good sea-keeping capabilities, including reduced motions and accelerations and good station keeping performance. The design has focused on the environmental footprint with an efficient machinery and propulsion set-up including battery hybrid propulsion. The vessel can accommodate 130 personnel.
Polin Chen, CEO DFO, said: “We are pleased to return to Vard with a new order for a Offshore Subsea Construction Vessel to support our growing international client base. The order complements the two SOVs we have ordered against long-term contracts and opens the door for DFO to expand its service offering in the offshore wind, energy and telecoms markets.
Vard Electro is delivering a fully integrated power and automation system, monitored by the SeaQ Green Pilot, which collects all digital data from the vessel and makes it accessible through Vard Electro’s cloud service to office desktops. The vessel is also equipped with the SeaQ Bridge.
Vard CEO Cathrine Kristiseter said: “We are proud and honoured that DFO has chosen to return as a customer to Vard. This contract is yet another token of Vards ability and proven record to deliver vessels on time and budget. Together with our owner Fincantieri we are collaborating with customers worldwide to tailor-make vessels based on the customer’s needs and requirements, and this vessel has been developed in a fruitful process together with the customer. We look forward to continuing our good collaboration with DFO in the years to come.”
The hull of the vessel will be built in Vard Shipyards Romania – Braila, while the outfitting, commissioning and delivery will be from Vard Søviknes in Norway. Delivery is scheduled for Q2 2027.
Image: DFO has ordered a third offshore vessel from Vard in Norway (source: Vard Group)
