French offshore services provider Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA) has been awarded major long-term contracts by Sweden's Vattenfall to build, own, and operate up to three service operation vessels (SOVs).
LDA was selected following a complex and competitive European tender process that took place throughout 2024 and was concluded in late December.
The terms include two firm SOVs and one optional SOV, which will be deployed to support offshore wind farm operations and maintenance activities at offshore wind farms operated by Vattenfall within Germany's exclusive economic zone in the North Sea.
The first SOV will enter service in the middle of2027 on the DanTysk and Sandbank offshore wind farms, each with a 288 MW capacity. The second SOV will commence operations before the end of 2027, servicing the Nordlicht I and II wind farms, with capacities of 980 MW and 630 MW, respectively. The third, optional SOV is intended for future projects in the North Sea.
The vessels will be registered under the French flag and have been specifically designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions during both operations and transit while being able to endure the harsh conditions of the North Sea all year long.
LDA said special care has been taken to enhance the safety and efficiency of the workflows, ensuring technicians have optimal working conditions. Additionally, the vessels feature very spacious and comfortable living quarters for rest periods.