“In November I welcomed Windward as a new customer, and we are excited that they now have declared both options. Large series like these are important for our fully integrated value chain in many ways. I am looking forward to seeing all the twenty thrusters going through our factory here in Molde.”, says Bernt Rune Riksfjord, VP Sales at Brunvoll AS.
Windward’s new vessels will have two propulsion azimuth thrusters in the aft, and two retractable azimuth thrusters and a tunnel thruster in the bow. All azimuth thrusters feature the latest and greatest improvements to meet the increasingly stricter requirements for rapid, safe, and accurate DP operations for SOVs/CSOVs. This includes significantly improved rotation speed, faster propeller acceleration, and arrangements for increased thrust efficiency in terms of reduced thruster and hull interaction.
With four powerful and responsive azimuth thrusters, the vessels should be ideally equipped with regards to operational requirements, DP accuracy, and overall performance. The vessels, which are of VARD 4 19-design, will be approximately 87 x 19,5 meters with a capacity of 120 people. The design is optimized for low fuel consumption, high operability, and comfort.
“We have recognized Brunvoll as a leading supplier of integrated systems for propulsion, maneuvering, and automation in the offshore industry. It was a prerequisite for us to find a partner who also thrives for excellence. During our pre-assessments, we gained a lot of confidence in Brunvoll and their quality as well as their service and after sales network.”, said Lars Evers, Fleet Director at Windward, back in November last year.
The first two hulls will be built at VARD’s yard in Romania and outfitted at one of VARD’s yards in Norway. The third and fourth vessel will be built and delivered from Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam. The first CSOV for Windward Offshore is scheduled to be delivered in the second half of 2025.
The founding partners driving Windward Offshore's innovative venture are SeaRenergy Offshore, Blue Star Group, Diana Shipping Inc. and SeraVerse. Together, they are united by a shared vision of pioneering excellence in the offshore wind sector. Windward Offshore was formed to establish an Integrated Offshore Wind Service Company, aiming to create a robust portfolio of offshore wind service vessels, initially focusing on Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs). By providing integrated solutions, combining vessels with Engineering, Maintenance, and Operation Services, Windward Offshore is poised to become a reliable partner for energy companies, supporting the commissioning phase and maintenance of offshore windfarms.
VARD is one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialized vessels. Headquartered in Norway and with approximately 8,000employees, VARD operates shipbuilding facilities in Norway, Romania, Brazil, and Vietnam. Through its specialized subsidiaries, VARD develops power and automation systems, deck handling equipment, and vessel accommodation solutions, and provides design and engineering services to the global maritime industry.
