Lloyd’s Register (LR) will classify two methanol-ready Commissioning Service Operations Vessels (CSOVs), being built by major designer and shipbuilder of specialized vessels Vard, for the UK’s offshore vessel operator North Star.
“The new tonnage will increase North Star’s offshore wind capabilities as it progresses its ambition to add 40 hybrid-powered SOVs to its fleet by 2040,” North Star said.
As it is reported by LR, the introduction of the two CSOVs will expand North Star’s capabilities to support commissioning and maintenance work essential to ensuring offshore wind farms can operate.
The new CSOV’s are expected to be delivered by North Star in 2025.
The two CSOVs will be built to Vard’s 4 22 design and feature a new methanol-ready hybrid-propulsion system coupled with a hull design optimised for low fuel consumption and resistance.
The vessels’ hulls will be built at Vard Braila, Romania before being towed to Vard Langsten in Norway for outfitting, with an expected delivery date of spring 2025.
Michael North, Lloyd’s Register commercial manager for Norway and Iceland, said: “LR is pleased to have been awarded the contract to conduct the design appraisal and survey of Vard’s two CSOVs for North Star. The build, design and delivery of these two methanol-ready vessels will represent a positive forward step for the maritime energy transition and LR is looking forward to providing continued support to Vard and the Norwegian shipbuilding industry.”
James Bradford, North Star’s chief technology officer, said: “Our business enjoys a longstanding relationship with Lloyd’s Register, with many of our existing fleet aligned with its classifications, benchmarking the high standard our ships are built to. Ensuring that we drive down emissions is critical to our long-term goals. Having these assets delivered methanol ready will allow us to decarbonise our service offering to our client base and in particular our European clients who will face carbon taxation challenges in the near future.”
