by InTrieste
In a notable development in the maritime and renewable energy sectors, Fincantieri’s Norwegian subsidiary, VARD, has secured a significant contract for the design and construction of a state-of-the-art Energy Construction Vessel (ECV).
The vessel is being built for Wind Energy Construction AS, a Norwegian company partially owned by the founders of Norwind Offshore AS. This contract includes an option for an additional vessel, underscoring the growing demand in the offshore wind energy sector.
Scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2027, the new ECV will be constructed and outfitted at VARD’s shipyard in Vung Tau, Vietnam. The vessel will span 111.5 meters in length and 22.4 meters in width, with accommodation for up to 120 crew members. It will feature the VARD 3 11 design, a model specifically tailored for the offshore wind and subsea markets. This design incorporates capabilities for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of pipelines, as well as the construction and installation of both above and below-sea level infrastructure.
Significantly, this vessel will be the first from VARD to include a permanently installed electric motion-compensated walkway (ECMC), complete with integrated 3D compensation crane capabilities. It will also be equipped with a 150-ton offshore crane designed to counteract sea motion, aimed at bolstering the expanding renewable energy market.
This order marks the sixth vessel commissioned by Norwind Offshore from VARD, following a series of five Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs).
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri, highlighted the importance of this contract, stating, “This new order further confirms our technological and industrial leadership in the rapidly growing offshore wind sector with solid prospects. Fincantieri is playing a leading role thanks to the success of our cutting-edge solutions. We will continue to focus on innovation and energy transition as key pillars of our commitment, as outlined in the Industrial Plan.”
