VESSEL REVIEW | Norwind Hurricane & Norwind Helm – Renewables support CSOVs for global use

Norwegian offshore wind support company Norwind Offshore recently took delivery of two new commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) in a series.

Norwind Hurricane and Norwind Helm belong to a series of five CSOVs designed and built for Norwind by compatriot shipyard Vard. The CSOVs designed and built for Norwind Offshore are tailor-made for worldwide services, support, and maintenance operations at offshore wind farms.

The design of the CSOVs was developed by Vard Design of Alesund and is a highly versatile platform for all offshore windfarm support operations, focusing on onboard logistics, security, comfort, and enhanced operability. The vessels are equipped to provide services during both construction, operation, and maintenance of offshore wind farms.

Adaptable to hybrid operations

The hulls of the CSOVs were built at Vard Braila in Romania while final outfitting was undertaken at Vard Brattvaag in Norway.

The CSOVs each have an LOA of 85 metres (280 feet), a beam of 19.5 metres (64 feet), a draught of 5.5 metres (18 feet), a depth of 7.3 metres (24 feet), a height-adjustable boat landing system, and accommodation for up to 87 personnel. The vessels are also prepared to accommodate battery packs, allowing modification for hybrid operations.

Each CSOV has Caterpillar engines with a total installed power of 4,338 kW (5,817 hp), which can deliver a service speed of 10 knots and a maximum endurance of 30 days. Caterpillar also supplied the vessels’ generators.

The vessels also each have Vard Electro's proprietary bridge solution with an intuitive user interface. For control and monitoring of their onboard systems, the CSOVs rely on Vard Electro's integrated alarm system, power management system, and energy management system. A DP2 system and tunnel thrusters supplied by Kongsberg Maritime meanwhile ensure enhanced station-keeping under a range of weather and sea conditions.

Comprehensive deck equipment package for greater flexibility

Vard’s specialised subsidiary Seaonics provided the CSOVs' all-electric lift and handling package, which includes a 32-metre walk-to-work gangway for safe personnel transfer and a seven-tonne, 3D-compensated crane for efficient cargo operations. Auxiliary cranes from Melcal and an anchor and chain from Fossen Shipping are also fitted.

Work on the interior spaces was provided by Vard Interiors. The fitout in the interiors includes green HVAC-R and piping systems, Libra-Plast and IMS doors, Eramet windows, Beha-Hedo galley facilities, an ENWA reverse osmosis plant, and Tyco fire suppression equipment. Jotun paint was used for the exterior surfaces.

Should evacuation become necessary, the CSOVs are provided with lifeboats from Palfinger Marine and Viking Life-Saving Equipment. Palfinger Marine also supplied the CSOVs’ fast rescue boats, which are deployed via dedicated davits.