Vard has signed a €113.5 million agreement with Dong Fang Offshore (DFO) to design and construct a subsea operations vessel, marking an expansion of their collaboration in the offshore wind sector. The contract includes an option for additional units.
This new vessel, set to be the third constructed by Vard for DFO, follows the order of two commissioning service operations vessels in May 2024. The vessel will be based on the VARD 3 39 design and will support a variety of subsea operations, including maintenance and cable laying for offshore wind and telecommunications projects.
The vessel will measure 121.3 meters in length and 23 meters in beam, providing advanced manoeuvrability and station-keeping capabilities for operations in harsh sea conditions. It will be equipped with a 1,200m² working deck and house up to 130 crew members in 90 cabins.
Key features of the vessel will include a 250-tonne active heave-compensated offshore crane, ROV hangars on both sides, a motion-compensated gangway system, a subsea trencher, underdeck cable carousel, and a helicopter deck, making it one of the most advanced vessels in its class.
The hull will be constructed at Vard’s yard in Brăila, Romania, while the final outfitting and delivery will take place at Vard Søviknes in Norway. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in early Q2 2027.
Vard’s collaboration with DFO in the offshore wind sector underscores the growing demand for specialized vessels to support renewable energy infrastructure.
