VARD signs contract for one Commissioning Service Operation Vessel
The VARD 4 39 design was a new design from VARD developed in collaboration between DFO and VARD.
VARD has signed a new contract with Taiwanese based Dong Fang Offshore for the design and construction of one Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV), a sister vessel to the two vessels VARD contracted with DFO in May 2024.
This new contract is a declaration of an option in the contract DFO signed in April 2025 for one Offshore Subsea Construction vessel (OSCV).
After sealing the contract for two CSOVs in May 2024, Taiwanese Dong Fang Offshore (DFO) is adding a third vessel of the same design. The design gives a highly versatile all-round platform for sustainable windfarm support operations both as a service vessel for the wind farms and for the building and installation phase. Upon delivery, the CSOV will commence a minimum 15-year service contract for an undisclosed wind farm customer in Taiwan.
The CSOV has been developed with large design flexibility to accommodate future operational demands. The design has focus on low environmental footprint with efficient machinery and propulsion set-up for high station keeping capabilities, improved workability, and operational reliability, and a hull shape that supports the fuel efficient CSOV operation. The vessel is further prepared with a large external deck for future integration of a modular power and fiber optic cable lay and repair spread.
The design includes a full electrical equipment package as part of a forward-leaning strategy in environmentally friendly design, allowing for the delivery of enhanced reliable operations onboard the ship. This includes a powerful battery package, crane and W2W gangway system. The CSOV is also prepared for future fuels.
The vessel has an aggregated hotel capacity of 120 people, whereof 90 is allocated in large single cabins. Operational centers such as offices, briefing rooms, conference room and dayrooms have been designed to meet a high standard in the market.
"We are delighted to return to VARD for the construction of the third CSOV is in our series of high performing CSOVs for the Taiwanese market, continuing the strong teamwork and momentum together with the team in Vard Vung Tau. The vessel design has been developed to specifically address the many unique challenges operating offshore Taiwan, and it is humbling to see another customer place their trust in DFO to deliver long term O&M services, on a solution that we have developed together with VARD. This order marks the third O&M service contract for an CSOV that DFO has been awarded in Taiwan, continuing the DFO strategy of building ships against high quality contracts with long-term, forward-thinking customers, and cementing DFO’s place as the O&M service provider of choice within Taiwan", says Polin Chen, CEO of DFO.
