DNV to class hydrogen-prepared CSOVs

The vessels will be built at Colombo Dockyard in Sri Lanka and are designed for service operations during the commissioning and operation of offshore wind farms and are prepared for hydrogen operations. They are scheduled to be delivered under the Norwegian Flag in January 2024 and July 2024.

The new additions to the Edda Wind fleet will function as mother ships for wind turbine technicians as they perform commissioning and maintenance work on wind turbines, with accommodations for up to 97 technicians and 23 marine crew. The planned hydrogen fuel system will be based on the liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) design by Hydrogenious LOHC Maritime AS and prepares the vessels for future zero-emission operations.

The two CSOVs will be built to the Salt 0425 design and measure 89.3 meters. They are in principal sister vessels to a DNV-classed newbuild which is currently in construction at the Spanish shipyard Astilleros Gondán. Some of the key features include anti-heeling and roll reduction systems to provide good working conditions onboard and a motion compensated gangway system with an adjustable pedestal to ensure safe and optimal connections to the turbines, even in harsh weather conditions.

“Ordering these purpose-built CSOVs will further strengthen Edda Wind’s leading position within offshore wind, and we are very pleased to have DNV as our classification partner on this journey,” said Håkon Vevang, Chief Commercial Officer of Edda Wind. “Tremendous growth is expected in the offshore wind market over the next decades, and the move is a clear signal of Edda Wind’s ambition to be a world-leading provider in this segment and our commitment to ensuring that our newbuilds are environmentally friendly.”

Tuva Flagstad-Andersen, Regional Manager, Region North Europe at DNV, said: “CSOVs are among the most technically advanced vessels out there, with high demands on safety, manoeuvrability, digitalization and comfort. I am confident that our experience in the offshore sector will serve us well in ensuring a successful delivery.”

Edda Wind is adding nine newbuild vessels to its fleet.