Cochin Shipyard Ltd. bags new International Order for Construction of New Generation Hybrid Wind Farm Service Operation Vessels (SOV)

Kochi - May 27, 2024





India's leading shipyard, Cochin Shipyard Limited, bagged another prestigious international order from its existing leading UK based offshore renewable operator, North Star Shipping for the construction of a hybrid Service Operation Vessels (‘SOVs') to be deployed for contract with Siemens Gamesa to be deployed at the Scottish Power Renewables East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm located off the Suffolk coast. The ship building contract also has an option to contract two more such vessels. North Star earlier in the year contracted another hybrid SOV with Cochin Shipyard.

With attention turning towards sustainable & green energy solutions, there is a large global focus on the development of offshore renewable energy segment. The hybrid Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) are the workhorse of the growing, highly specialized renewables segment, in which CSL is actively looking forward with their proven track-record in the offshore support vessels.

The 85m Hybrid SOVs are designed by VARD AS, Norway based on the proven 4 19 design and built for the service, maintenance, and operational needs of the offshore wind industry. The vessels are equipped with fully electric azimuth propulsion system, 3D motion compensated gangway system (walk2work) which forms the mission equipment. The vessels are to be classed with DNV Norway. The hybrid electric propulsion system is powered by 4 Nos. diesel generator sets along with large Lithium battery pack, to achieve emission reduction to a large extent. The vessels shall have high standard interiors to accommodate 80 technicians and crew with DNV comfort ratings and Dynamic Positioning System.

CSL is currently building 2 Nos. Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) for a European Client. With the new SOV contract, CSL strengthens its footprint in the high-end & niche global renewable energy segment- towards sustainable solutions.

North Star Shipping is recognized as a fully professional and proven missioncritical service partner, particularly in relation to long-term contracted infrastructure support in one of the world's most challenging and demanding marine environments, leveraging its 135 years of experience.

North Star's chief technology officer James Bradford added: "We have chosen Cochin Shipyard Ltd to undertake this second SOV newbuild project due to their exceptional track record of delivering high-quality vessels on time and within budget. Their expertise and proven capabilities align perfectly with our vision for advancing sustainable maritime solutions, ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our clients and contribute positively to a greener future."


Image by Cochin Shipyard Limited

"Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) is extremely happy to be chosen again as the preferred partner for North Star and is participating to achieve its goals of North Star in the offshore renewable segment. CSL is committed to build high quality products with focused interest in sustainable solutions to serve the evolving maritime markets," said Mr. Madhu Nair, the Chairman and Managing Director of CSL.

CSL has been active on the international ship building arena for more than two decades (having delivered more around 50 high end vessels to countries such as USA, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark and the Middle East). CSL's rich experience and proven track-record in construction of a number of high-end offshore support vessels to West Europe, coupled with its recent construction & delivery of Zero Emission Autonomous Cargo Ferries to a Norwegian client. The construction of a series of eight Multi-Purpose Vessels for a German client is also progressing fast at the yard. The yard is also active in defence ship building, having recently delivered India's First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier to the Indian Navy with more orders in hand for Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes and New Generation Missile Vessels.

Cochin Shipyard Limited press release