Construction begins on new SOVs, daughter craft for North Star Renewables

UK-based North Star Renewables has confirmed that construction is underway on six new hybrid-powered vessels that it will operate at the Dogger Bank offshore wind farm off the east coast of Yorkshire.

Three new service operation vessels (SOVs) are being built at Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam while three daughter craft will be supplied by Alicat of Great Yarmouth.

Two of the SOVs will each have accommodations for up to 40 technicians while the third will have space for up to 50 personnel plus a helicopter deck. All three SOVs will serve 10 years’ firm charters with the consortium formed by SSE Renewables, Equinor, and Eni.

The Chartwell Marine-designed daughter craft will be used to transfer personnel to and from the three SOVs for turbine maintenance work. The craft will also be equipped for standby, rescue, and emergency support duties.

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