Norwegian shipbuilder Vard has commenced construction of a new offshore subsea construction vessel (OSCV) for Taiwan-based Dong Fang Offshore, marking a milestone with a steel-cutting ceremony at its yard in Brăila, Romania.
The vessel, designated NB 988, is based on the Vard 3 39 design and is the first of its kind to be built at the Brăila facility. It also represents Dong Fang Offshore’s first newbuild OSCV.
“This is the first OSCV of this design and the first newbuild of its kind for Dong Fang Offshore, and we are proud to start this journey in Brăila,” Vard said in a statement.
Measuring 121.3 metres in length and 23 metres in width, the vessel will have capacity for up to 130 personnel. The hull will be constructed in Romania, with final outfitting, commissioning, and delivery scheduled at Vard’s Søviknes yard in Norway in the second quarter of 2027.
According to Vard, the vessel will be a “highly versatile platform” capable of supporting a range of subsea operations, including offshore wind maintenance, cable installation, and repair activities.
The vessel is being built under a €113.5 million contract signed earlier this year. The agreement includes an option for additional units.
The order follows Dong Fang Offshore’s purchase of two commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) from Vard in 2024.
