German energy company RWE has signed long-term charter and reservation agreements with UK-based North Star for four service operation vessels (SOVs) to support offshore wind maintenance in the United Kingdom and Germany, the companies said on Monday.
Under the deal, the Grampian Eagle will be chartered for 12 years to serve the 857-megawatt Triton Knoll wind farm off the British coast. The Grampian Kestrel will support sites north of Heligoland in the German North Sea under a 10-year agreement. Both contracts include options to extend for up to three additional years.
“To ensure continuous service until the new vessels are deployed, RWE has also secured two interim SOVs from Windward Offshore through the end of 2026,” the company said in a statement.
Built in 2025, the Grampian Eagle and Grampian Kestrel are equipped to operate with low-emission alternative fuels. The vessels feature walk-to-work gangways and accommodation facilities for offshore technicians, designed to maintain safe operations in challenging sea conditions.
“Through this long-term partnership, RWE is taking a strategic step by securing next generation service operations vessels against the backdrop of a tight market,” said Thomas Michel, Chief Operating Officer for Offshore Wind at RWE. “This is an important enabler for RWE to deliver best-in-class performance across our existing operational fleet, as well as for future projects.”
The agreement also includes reservation contracts for two additional newbuild SOVs, scheduled to join RWE’s fleet in 2028 and 2029. These vessels will be constructed by Norwegian shipbuilder Vard.
North Star CEO Gitte Gard Talmo said, “We are proud to secure agreements for four state-of-the-art vessels and grateful for the trust put in us by RWE. This landmark deal is the beginning of a strategic partnership between two industry leaders, built on early engagement, mutual trust and shared ambitions.”
North Star, backed by private equity firm Partners Group, is the UK’s largest owner and operator of offshore service vessels. RWE said the agreements will support safe, low-emission, and efficient operations across its expanding European offshore wind portfolio.
