VARD, a leading global shipbuilding company, has secured a contract from Dong Fang Offshore (DFO) to design and build a new Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV). The contract is valued at up to EUR 75 million. This new vessel will be the fifth ordered by DFO from VARD, expanding their partnership which began with two CSOV orders in 2024 and continued with two additional orders in 2025.
The new CSOV vessel is designed to support offshore wind farm operations and subsea activities. Based on the VARD 4 39 design, the vessel will measure approximately 102.5 meters in length and 19.5 meters in width. It will be equipped to install and maintain offshore wind turbines, perform subsea operations, and lay and repair power cables. The vessel will feature a hybrid battery system and optimized hull and propulsion system.
The hybrid system is designed to enhance the vessel's performance at sea and maintain its position, while supporting higher operational efficiency. The vessel will be equipped with a 32-meter walk-to-work system and a motion-compensated 3D crane. Additionally, it will feature a 700-square-meter work deck for cable laying and repair operations. The vessel will also be prepared for launching and recovering remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and will have the option to install a helipad in the future.
DFO has the option to add a 70-tonne active motion-compensated offshore crane for subsea operations. The new vessel will have the capacity to accommodate up to 120 persons in 90 cabins. It will also feature integrated power and automation systems, as well as a bridge with advanced navigation and control systems, including VARD's SeaQ Green Pilot and SeaQ Bridge technologies.
Piero Roberto Vogliro, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, stated that the contract strengthens the company's established relationship with DFO and confirms VARD's ability to provide highly specialized vessels designed to meet the evolving needs of offshore platform operators. This contract further expands DFO's fleet in collaboration with VARD.
The partnership between VARD and DFO continues to grow, with the new CSOV vessel supporting the development of offshore wind farms and subsea infrastructure. The vessel's advanced design and equipment will enable it to perform a range of tasks, from installation and maintenance to cable laying and repair. The contract is a significant milestone for VARD, demonstrating its expertise in delivering customized solutions for the offshore energy sector.
The delivery of the new CSOV vessel is expected to enhance DFO's capabilities in supporting offshore wind farm operations and subsea activities. With its advanced design and equipment, the vessel will play a critical role in the development of renewable energy sources and the growth of the offshore energy sector.
Key points
- VARD secures EUR 75 million contract from Dong Fang Offshore for a new CSOV vessel.
- The new vessel will support offshore wind farm operations and subsea activities.
- The partnership between VARD and DFO continues to expand, with five CSOV vessels ordered to date.
