Fincantieri’s Norwegian subsidiary, Vard, has secured a new contract with Island Offshore for the design and construction of a second hybrid-powered Ocean Energy Construction Vessel (OECV).
This contract follows an option exercised under a previous agreement and the announcement of two sister vessels in May 2024.
The new vessel, scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2027, will be based on the VARD 3 25 design, developed in close collaboration with Island Offshore.
The state-of-the-art vessel will be designed to support a wide range of underwater operations, including inspection, maintenance, repair (IMR), pipe laying, underwater infrastructure construction, and dive support.
Measuring 120m by 25m, she will feature a 250-ton offshore crane with active heave compensation and accommodations for 130 personnel, offering high-standard facilities for both crew and clients.
Additional features include a 1.7 MWh energy storage system for hybrid propulsion, a heat recovery system to enhance energy efficiency, and provisions for low-emission alternative fuels.
The vessel will also be equipped with two launch and recovery systems (LARS) for ROV operations and will be designed to work with a ‘walk-to-work’ gangway, making it highly versatile for renewable energy projects such as cable laying and trenching.
This contract further solidifies the robust partnership between Vard and Island Offshore, with Vard having already delivered 41 vessels to the Norwegian operator.
