Esvagt has chosen Norway’s HAV Design to develop an offshore wind service operation vessel (SOV) that will service renewable giant Ørsted’s UK East Regional programme.
HAV Design will deliver both the ship design and an integrated equipment package including propulsion system, engines, propellers and positioning system. The total contract value is about NOK 200m.
Gisle Vinjevoll Thrane, VP Sales, HAV Design, said: “Esvagt is very well familiar with the ship design and the operational benefits it brings. We are delighted with this this collaboration. We are aware of the high standards that Esvagt requires from their suppliers and we use this as a benchmark to secure high-quality project execution, cost-efficiency and reduction of project risks to a minimum.”
The newbuild hybrid vessel is of HAV 833 SOV design. The vessel will be equipped with methanol-electric propulsion system, including a battery pack that allows very low to zero-emissions operations. It will be 93m long and 19.6ms wide and will accommodate up to 124 persons. Upon completion, the vessel will become an integral part of the operation and maintenance of Ørsted’s UK East Regional programme, which includes the Hornsea Two Offshore Wind Farm. The main purpose of the SOV is to safely transfer technicians and spare parts to and from wind turbines and offshore substations.
Esvagt has a fleet of more than 40 vessels and around 1,100 employees offshore and onshore.
Esvagt deputy CEO Kristian Ole Jakobsen said: “This is the 10th SOV that Esvagt is developing together with HAV Design. The long-term close cooperation with HAV Design will ensure the highest performance and efficiency, and always based on Safety First.”
The HAV SOV designs has a proven track record in the offshore wind industry due to its low fuel consumption, high operability and workability, and high comfort standard.
Thrane added: “As investments in the offshore wind industry is expected to grow substantially in the coming years and decades, with additional vessel capacity required, we expect to see increased interest in the vessel design going forward.”
