TRIESTE – Vard, the Norwegian subsidiary of Fincantieri, will build a third Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) for Dong Fang Offshore, exercising an option from the contract signed in April.
This order strengthens the Italian group’s strategic position in the Asian market with an innovative vessel designed to support offshore wind farms. The new ship will be the third CSOV commissioned from Vard by DFO, following the first two ordered in May 2024.
Based on the VARD 4 39 design, custom-developed for Dong Fang Offshore, the CSOV will provide a flexible platform optimized for sustainable offshore wind operations, both during installation and maintenance. The vessel will feature advanced technology solutions for high energy efficiency, maneuverability, and precision in station keeping, with the option to integrate a module for subsea cable repairs.
Measuring approximately 102.7 meters in length and 19.5 meters in beam, the vessel will be equipped with an electric crane, walk-to-work system, SeaQ Integrated Bridge, advanced automation, and a hybrid power package including a 1,240 kWh energy storage system. It will be shore power-ready and fitted with waste heat recovery systems and high-efficiency HVAC. The onboard capacity will accommodate up to 120 people in high-standard cabins.
Construction, outfitting, and delivery will take place at Vard’s shipyard in Vung Tau, Vietnam, with delivery expected in the first quarter of 2028.
“This agreement highlights our role as a global leader in shipbuilding, increasingly seen as a strategic geopolitical asset. Our presence in Vietnam,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri, “proves Fincantieri’s competitiveness in the Asian market, where we see significant growth potential. The Vard Vung Tau shipyard is a concrete example of how operational excellence, meticulous planning, and strong determination can turn traditional challenges into distinct advantages, making it a key asset within our global production network.”
