Windward Offshore, a new consortium led by SeaRenergy Group, the German offshore arm of Asian Spirit Steamship Company (ASSC) has signed a contract with Vard for the design and construction for two hybrid Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs).
The contract includes an option for two additional vessels. The partners driving Windward Offshore’s innovative venture are: SeaRenergy Offshore Holding, Blue Star Group, Diana Shipping and SeraVerse, all of which are said to share a vision of pioneering excellence in the offshore wind sector.
This collaboration marks Windward Offshore’s maiden project with Vard, and the partners’ initial foray into the specialised CSOV/SOV segment. The new CSOVs are poised to support energy majors globally in constructing, commissioning, and maintaining offshore wind parks.
SeaRenergy was established in 2010 and is the offshore wind services arm of the Rickmers family. The SeaRenergy service portfolio comprises Engineering, QHSE and marine services as well as Offshore Professionals, covering the whole life cycle of an offshore wind project from early planning through installation to operation, maintenance, and repair. Together with ASSC, the shipping arm of the Rickmers family, SeaRenergy takes an important step on its path to providing comprehensive services to the offshore wind industry.
The partnership between Vard and SeaRenergy dates back to 2015 when they began exploring SOV projects. Over the years, Vard has garnered a track record in designing and constructing CSOVs and SeaRenergy Service teams have been working on almost all current SOVs on numerous offshore wind projects.
Dr Benjamin Vordemfelde, CEO SeaRenergy Group, said: “The work both companies have invested, now gives result when we enter a partnership on renewable tonnage, combining Vard’s ship building excellence and SeaRenergy’s firsthand working experience with CSOV on numerous offshore wind projects. While the changes in the political framework have fostered the entry of new developers into the offshore wind market, the investment activities in the offshore wind infrastructure are still by far too low. ASSC has now decided to – again – be a first mover in this field to ensure availability of attractive vessel capacity in 2025 and beyond, when the wind farm projects currently under planning and permitting will be installed and commissioned.”
Clasen Rickmers, owner of SeaRenergy and ASSC said: “I am proud to be able to manage the development of our fleet together with Vard. I am convinced of the potential of this investment and cannot emphasise enough that this strategic move enables us to provide customers and partners with state-of-the-art and future-proof offshore wind tonnage”.
Semiramis Paliou, Director and CEO of Diana Shipping said: “We are excited to announce our entry into a new sector of the shipping industry through a strategic partnership involving the acquisition of two CSOV vessels. We view this investment as another attestation to our commitment for a greener and more sustainable future. Together with our esteemed partners, we embark on an exciting journey that should contribute to a cleaner and more eco-friendly world.”
