Indian yard Cochin Shipyard (CSL) has secured an order from an existing customer, UK-based offshore renewables operator North Star Shipping, for the construction of a hybrid Service Operation Vessel (SOV) to be deployed on a contract with Siemens Gamesa at the Scottish Power Renewables East Anglia Three offshore windfarm located off the UK East coast.
The contract includes an option for two more vessels. Earlier in 2024, North Star ordered another hybrid SOV at CSL. According to the yard, there is currently a large global focus on the development of the offshore renewable energy segment. The hybrid SOVs are seen as the workhorse of the growing, highly specialized renewables segment, in which CSL is actively looking forward with its track record in offshore support vessels.
The 85m Hybrid SOVs will be based on the 4 19 design from Vard of Norway and built for the service, maintenance, and operational needs of the offshore wind industry. The vessels are equipped with fully electric azimuth propulsion system, and a 3D motion compensated gangway system (walk2work) which forms the mission equipment. The vessels are to be classed with DNV Norway. The hybrid electric propulsion system is powered by four diesel generator sets along with a large lithium battery pack, to achieve emission reduction. The vessels will have high standard interiors to accommodate 80 technicians and crew with DNV comfort ratings and a DP System.
CSL is currently building two Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) for a European client. With this new SOV contract, CSL says it is strengthening its footprint in the high-end and niche global renewable energy segment- towards sustainable solutions.
North Star Shipping specialises in long-term contracted infrastructure support in one of the world’s most challenging and demanding marine environments, leveraging its 135 years of experience.
North Star CTO James Bradford said: “We have chosen Cochin Shipyard Ltd to undertake this second SOV newbuild project due to their exceptional track record of delivering high-quality vessels on time and within budget. Their expertise and proven capabilities align perfectly with our vision for advancing sustainable maritime solutions, ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our clients and contribute positively to a greener future.”
CSL Chairman and MD Madhu Nair added: “Cochin Shipyard Ltd is extremely happy to be chosen again as the preferred partner for North Star and is participating to achieve its goals of North Star in the offshore renewable segment. CSL is committed to build high quality products with focused interest in sustainable solutions to serve the evolving maritime markets.”
CSL has been active on the international ship building arena for more than two decades, having delivered around 50 high end vessels to countries such as USA, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark and the Middle East. CSL’s experience and track-record in construction of a number of high-end offshore support vessels for West Europe is coupled with its recent construction and delivery of zero emission autonomous cargo ferries to a Norwegian client. The construction of a series of eight multi-purpose vessels for a German client is progressing at the yard. The yard is also active in defence ship building.
Image: A further Vard-designed hybrid SOV has been ordered from CSL by North Star (source: Cochin Shipyard)
