Norwegian shipbuilder Vard has commissioned two sets of mission equipment from Netherlands-based SMST for two of North Star’s new service operation vessels (SOVs), which will operate under a long-term charter with RWE.
This new contract follows a previous equipment order placed by Vard with SMST in 2023 for North Star’s two commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs), Grampian Eagle and Grampian Kestrel, which are also designated for RWE.
With this additional contract, North Star will have six vessels outfitted with SMST equipment, as confirmed by the equipment provider.
SMST will supply the SOVs with the Telescopic Access Bridge (TAB) L2, a motion-compensated gangway featuring advanced automation. A 5t Motion Compensated Crane will also be provided to enhance cargo operations.
“Delivering world-class operational performance remains our top priority, and we consider SMST a valuable technology partner in achieving this goal, thanks to their innovative and reliable offshore equipment. We are therefore pleased to extend our partnership for the next two hybrid-powered Service Operation Vessels,” said James Bradford, Chief Technology Officer at North Star.
RWE and UK-based shipowner-operator North Star have established a long-term partnership for the charter of two CSOVs and have also reserved agreements for two newbuild SOVs signed in August.
Under the CSOV charters, Grampian Eagle is contracted for a minimum of twelve years to support the Triton Knoll offshore wind farm in the UK. Meanwhile, Grampian Kestrel is contracted for at least ten years to maintain RWE’s German offshore wind projects.
The new SOVs, for which SMST has recently signed a contract, are scheduled to support RWE’s expanding offshore wind fleet starting in 2028 and 2029.
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