Norway’s Vard has begun construction of an advanced hybrid power cable laying and construction vessel for the Japanese offshore wind energy sector. The steel cutting ceremony, which represents a significant step in this project, took place on July 1 at the company’s shipyard in Braila, Romania.
This vessel is being built for Toyo Construction, a leading Japanese company specializing in civil and architectural construction projects both domestically and internationally.
Construction of the hybrid vessel for the Japanese market
In this context, it is important to recall that Toyo Construction, in collaboration with Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), established a joint venture focused on wind energy last summer. This effort seeks to strengthen synergies in several areas, such as survey planning, workboat procurement and offshore construction.
The contract, announced by the company at the end of 2023, is worth more than $200 million.
The vessel under construction, of Vard 9 15 design, has been specifically developed to meet the needs of the Japanese offshore wind energy market. offshore wind energy as well as to operate globally. According to Vard, this 150-meter-long vessel will feature a hull design optimized to suit Japanese conditions, allowing it to be used in both shallow and deep waters. In addition, it is designed for floating offshore wind floating offshore wind power generation and direct current (DC) power transmission.
9,000 tons of cargo and state-of-the-art technology
The cable-laying vessel will be self-propelled and equipped with five main generators and two batteries, providing a load capacity of 9,000 tons. It will reach a maximum transit speed of 13 knots and will have 90 single cabins, which will accommodate 90 people on board.
Notable equipment to be incorporated will include a 250-metric-ton all-electric hybrid boom subsea crane and a 100-metric-ton articulating boom crane, both supplied by Huisman.
Construction of the vessel is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2026, marking a milestone in the development of the infrastructure needed for the expansion of wind energy in Japan and other markets.
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Source and photo: offshorewind