VARD starts building first Island Offshore hybrid ocean energy construction vessel, second to follow in July

Norwegian shipbuilder VARD has cut the first steel for the first hybrid power ocean energy construction vessel (OECV) it is building for compatriot shipping group Island Offshore.

The steel cutting that marks the official start of construction for the first newbuild OECV, named Island Evolution, took place on March 4 at Vard Shipyards Romania – Braila.

Roy Viggo Fjørtoft, Project Manager from Island Offshore, pressed the button to initiate the cutting of the first steel plate, with representatives from the two companies attending the event.

Island Offshore placed an order with VARD for the design and construction of the hybrid power OECV in May 2024, also agreeing on an option for two more vessels. The order for the second vessel, called Island Explorer, came in three months later.

The sister vessels are of VARD 3 25 design developed in close collaboration with Island Offshore.

Measuring 120 meters in length, they will be capable of performing subsea operations including inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR), pipe laying, subsea infrastructure construction and installation, diving support, and equipment for remotely operated underwater inspection.

They will also be prepared for renewable work scopes such as walk-to-work, commissioning, cable laying and repairs, trenching and survey, as well as for installation of a gangway system.

VARD is the total provider. Vard Interiors will deliver interior solutions and a green HVAC R system, while Vard Electro will deliver SeaQ equipment and green solutions, including SeaQ Power with energy storage systems and SeaQ shore connection, SeaQ Bridge with full integration and an extensive SeaQ Communication network that includes network and entertainment systems.

The outfitting, commissioning and delivery will be done at one of the Vard shipyards in Norway.

The keel laying for the first vessel is planned to be marked by a ceremony on May 6, with Island Evolution scheduled to be delivered in Q1 2027. The steel cutting for the second vessel is set for July 1.