Vard Shipyards Romania has cut the first steel to be used for building a new hybrid offshore construction vessel ordered by Norwegian operator Island Offshore.
The contract between Island Offshore and Vard also includes options for up to two additional vessels, which are designated as "ocean energy construction vessels" (OECVs).
The vessels' design will allow for flexible configuration and versatility depending on the specific operations to be performed. The hull will be optimised and the vessel itself will be prepared for alternative low-emission fuel.
The OECVs will undertake subsea operations including inspection, maintenance and repair, pipe laying, subsea infrastructure construction and installation, dive support, and remotely operated underwater inspection.
The vessels will also be prepared for renewable work scopes such as walk-to-work, commissioning, cable laying and repairs, trenching, and survey.
Each OECV will measure 120 metres long by 25 metres wide and will feature a 250-tonne heave-compensated offshore subsea crane and a gangway. It will also be able to accommodate 130 people on board.
Additional features will include a 1.7MWh energy storage system and a heat recovery system.