North Star and Cochin Shipyard Forge Ahead with Hybrid-Electric SOV for Offshore Wind
In a significant development for the offshore wind industry, North Star and its shipbuilding partner Cochin Shipyard have achieved a key milestone in the construction of EnBW’s hybrid-electric Service Operations Vessel. On February 25, 2025, the two companies marked the first steel cut for the vessel at Cochin Shipyard in India. This event signals the beginning of a new era in offshore wind turbine maintenance, as the vessel is designed to support the He Dreiht wind farm off the coast of Germany.
Scheduled for delivery by 2026, this vessel will be dedicated to servicing EnBW's offshore wind farm and will be used for a minimum of 10 years. The wind farm, which will be located approximately 90 km northwest of the island of Borkum and 110 km west of Helgoland, will require extensive maintenance and support, which will be provided by this state-of-the-art vessel.
Key Features of the Hybrid-Electric SOV
The hybrid-electric SOV is based on the VARD 407 design and will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies to ensure efficiency and sustainability. Notably, the vessel will have Electric Voith Schneider Propulsion (eVSP), which is a type of electric propulsion system that improves maneuverability, making it an ideal solution for offshore environments where precision and reliability are crucial. This vessel will also be methanol-fuel ready, paving the way for future green fuel integration and reducing its carbon footprint.
The SOV will be capable of providing accommodation for up to 34 wind technicians, ensuring that they have a comfortable and secure living space while they carry out maintenance tasks on the 64 wind turbines at the He Dreiht wind farm. Additionally, the vessel will serve as a logistics hub and warehouse for necessary equipment and supplies to facilitate offshore maintenance.
Another standout feature of the vessel is the height-adjustable motion-compensated gangway, which will allow technicians to be transferred safely between the vessel and the wind turbines despite challenging sea conditions. The vessel will also be equipped with a 3D-compensated crane, which will enhance its capability to carry out complex operations in demanding offshore conditions.
SOV’s Role in Supporting Offshore Wind Operations
The SOV will be crucial for the maintenance of the He Dreiht wind farm, one of Germany's most significant offshore renewable energy projects. Located in the North Sea, the wind farm will play a major role in Germany’s energy transition by contributing significantly to the country’s renewable energy goals. The SOV will ensure that the wind turbines remain in optimal working condition, supporting EnBW's commitment to providing clean and sustainable energy.
In addition to the SOV, North Star has secured a second contract with EnBW for a Commissioning Service Operation Vessel, named the Grampian Kestrel. This vessel will provide accommodation and logistics support during the construction and commissioning phase of the wind farm. Following this phase, the CSOV will continue to support operations and maintenance activities until the new SOV is ready.
Sustainability and Technological Innovation
One of the standout features of this project is the emphasis on sustainability. The hybrid-electric SOV is designed with green technologies that significantly reduce its environmental impact compared to conventional vessels. With the inclusion of electric propulsion and a future-ready methanol fuel system, this vessel is aligned with the global push for decarbonization in the maritime and offshore industries.
The vessel’s design also takes into account the challenges posed by sea states and wave heights, ensuring that it can operate efficiently and safely in harsh offshore conditions. The new hull form developed for the vessel aims to mitigate these challenges, providing fast, safe, and efficient personnel transfers.
Collaborative Effort in Offshore Wind Industry
The achievement of this steel-cutting milestone is a result of the collaborative efforts between North Star, Cochin Shipyard, and EnBW. North Star’s European renewables lead, Bruno Bartel, expressed excitement about the project, highlighting the importance of providing exceptional accommodation and facilities for the wind technicians and crew. He added that the company had worked closely with EnBW and VARD to develop a vessel that would meet the high standards required for the demanding offshore wind farm environment.
Key Takeaways:
• First steel cut for North Star's hybrid-electric SOV for EnBW's He Dreiht wind farm occurred on February 25, 2025 at Cochin Shipyard, India.
• The vessel, a VARD 407 design, will provide accommodation for 34 wind technicians and serve as a logistics hub for the maintenance of 64 wind turbines.
• The SOV is equipped with Electric Voith Schneider propulsion and is methanol-fuel ready, aligning with sustainability goals.
• Height-adjustable motion-compensated gangway and a 3D-compensated crane are key features of the vessel for safe and efficient operations in challenging sea states.
• EnBW's He Dreiht wind farm will be located 90 km northwest of Borkum and 110 km west of Helgoland, contributing to Germany's renewable energy targets.
• North Star has also secured a contract for a Commissioning Service Operation Vessel, named Grampian Kestrel, to support the construction and commissioning of the wind farm in 2025.
• The hybrid-electric SOV emphasizes green technology and sustainability, reducing environmental impact and supporting the decarbonization of the offshore wind industry.
