Wedoany.com Report-Feb 27, Cochin Shipyard in India has begun constructing a hybrid-electric service operations vessel (SOV) for North Star, a company that secured a long-term charter with EnBW in 2024. The vessel will support operations at the He Dreiht offshore wind farm, located 90 kilometers northwest of Borkum Island in Germany. The first steel was cut on February 25, 2025, at Cochin’s facility, where all planning, engineering, and construction are taking place. The SOV is expected to start its minimum 10-year service at the wind farm by the end of 2026.

The vessel, designed to house up to 34 wind technicians, will maintain the 64 V236-15.0 MW wind turbines supplied by Vestas at He Dreiht. It will also serve as a logistics center and storage facility. The He Dreiht project, with a capacity of 960 MW, completed its monopile foundation installation in the summer of 2024 and is preparing for wind turbine setup. North Star’s agreement with EnBW marked its first offshore wind contract beyond the UK.

Based on the VARD 407 design, the SOV has been customized to meet EnBW’s needs. It features Electric Voith Schneider propulsion (eVSP) and is built to potentially use methanol as fuel later. The vessel includes a height-adjustable, motion-compensated gangway and a 3D compensated crane. North Star noted: “The SOV will also utilise the best available technology to support decarbonisation,” incorporating a Decision Support system to enhance onboard efficiency in real time.

Separately, in October 2024, North Star won a second contract with EnBW for its commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV), Grampian Kestrel. This vessel will assist with construction and commissioning at He Dreiht in 2025, providing accommodation and logistics support. Once that phase concludes, it will shift to operations and maintenance tasks until the new SOV arrives in 2026. The collaboration between North Star and Cochin Shipyard reflects a focus on sustainable energy solutions, aligning with the broader goals of the He Dreiht project, which advances Germany’s offshore wind capabilities.