The vessel, which will be built by Vard in Vietnam, is set to enter into a minimum 15-year operations and maintenance (O&M) contract for an offshore wind project in Taiwan upon delivery. It will follow the same Vard 4 39 design as the two previously ordered SOVs, customised specifically for operating in Taiwan’s offshore environment.
“We are delighted to return to Vard for the construction of the third SOV in our series of high-performing SOVs for the Taiwanese market,” said Polin Chen, chief executive of Dong Fang Offshore. “The vessel design has been developed to specifically address the many unique challenges operating offshore Taiwan.”
The latest order builds on two earlier SOV contracts placed with Vard in 2024, both of which are set to begin long-term charters in Taiwan. The move is in line with DFO’s strategy to align vessel construction with secured O&M agreements.
“This order marks the third O&M service contract for an SOV that DFO has been awarded in Taiwan, continuing the DFO strategy of building ships against high-quality contracts with long-term, forward-thinking customers,” Chen added.
The company said the agreement further reinforces its position as a key service provider in Taiwan’s offshore wind industry, as demand for local content and specialised marine support vessels increases.
