Dong Fang Offshore orders new subsea vessel from Vard

Vard has signed a new contract for the design and construction of an offshore subsea construction vessel with Taiwan's Dong Fang Offshore (DFO).

The value of the contract is 113.5 million euros ($125.8 million) and the agreement also includes an option for additional vessels.

This is the third vessel Vard is building for DFO, with the first two being commissioning service operations vessels, contracted in May 2024.

Vard said the new vessel will be a versatile platform designed and equipped for subsea and offshore wind operations, maintenance activities, as well as cable installation and repair scopes in the offshore wind and telecoms sectors.

The OSV will be 121.3 metres long with a beam of 23 metres, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 14 knots. Accommodating up to 130 people in 90 cabins, it is designed to ensure high standards of comfort, functionality and environmental sustainability.

It will be fitted with a 250-tonne active heave compensated offshore crane, a 1,200m² work deck prepared for cable repair, and ROV hangars on both sides.

The unit will also be prepared for the installation of a motion compensated gangway and an under-deck carousel, the installation of a large trencher, as well as arrangement for a helideck installation.

The hull will be built at Vard’s shipyard in Braila, Romania, while outfitting and delivery will take place at Vard Søviknes in Norway. The vessel is scheduled for delivery early in Q2 2027.