A New Era in Offshore Wind Operations
Cochin Shipyard has officially begun construction on a cutting-edge hybrid-electric Service Operations Vessel (SOV) for North Star, marking a significant leap forward in sustainable offshore wind operations. This state-of-the-art vessel is destined for the He Dreiht offshore wind farm in Germany, a project that’s set to redefine renewable energy standards.
The first steel for the SOV was ceremoniously cut on February 25 at Cochin Shipyard’s facility in India, where the vessel’s design, engineering, and construction are being meticulously executed. Scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026, the SOV will embark on a decade-long charter, ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of He Dreiht’s 64 V236-15.0 MW wind turbines, supplied by Vestas.
A Floating Hub for Wind Technicians
This hybrid-electric SOV isn’t just a vessel—it’s a floating command center. Designed to accommodate up to 34 wind technicians, the SOV will serve as both a logistics hub and a warehouse, ensuring seamless operations at the offshore wind farm. Located approximately 90 kilometers northwest of Borkum Island, He Dreiht is already making waves, with all monopile foundations installed in the summer of 2024.
The SOV’s design, based on the VARD 407 model, has been customized to meet EnBW’s exacting standards. It features Electric Voith Schneider Propulsion (eVSP) and is future-proofed to run on methanol, a cleaner alternative fuel. Additionally, the vessel boasts a height-adjustable motion-compensated gangway and a 3D-compensated crane, ensuring safe and efficient operations even in challenging offshore conditions.
Decarbonisation at the Core
North Star is pulling out all the stops to ensure this SOV is a beacon of sustainability. The vessel will incorporate the latest decarbonisation technologies, including a Decision Support system that optimizes real-time operations onboard. This commitment to green innovation aligns perfectly with the global push for cleaner energy solutions.
In a further show of confidence, North Star secured a second contract with EnBW in October 2024 for the Grampian Kestrel, a Commissioning Service Operations Vessel (CSOV). This vessel will support the construction and commissioning of He Dreiht in 2025 before transitioning to operations and maintenance duties until the new SOV arrives.
A Milestone for North Star
The He Dreiht project marks North Star’s first foray into the offshore wind market outside the UK, signaling the company’s growing influence in the global renewable energy sector. With its hybrid-electric SOV and a clear focus on sustainability, North Star is setting a new benchmark for offshore wind operations.
As the world shifts toward renewable energy, vessels like this hybrid-electric SOV are paving the way for a greener, more efficient future.
