Cochin Shipyard Limited bagged another prestigious international order from its existing UK-based offshore renewable operator, North Star Shipping for the construction of hybrid Service Operation Vessels (‘SOVs’) to be deployed for a contract with Siemens Gamesa to be deployed at the Scottish Power Renewables East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm located off the Suffolk coast.
The shipbuilding contract also has the option to contract two more such vessels. North Star earlier in the year contracted another hybrid SOV with Cochin Shipyard.
Offshore renewable energy
With attention turning towards sustainable & green energy solutions, there is a large global focus on the development of the offshore renewable energy segment.
The hybrid Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) are the workhorse of the growing, highly specialised renewables segment, to which CSL is actively looking forward with its proven track record in offshore support vessels.
85m Hybrid SOVs
The vessels are equipped with a fully electric azimuth propulsion system
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 a fully electric azimuth propulsion system and a 3D motion-compensated gangway system (walk2work) which forms the mission equipment. The vessels are to be classed with DNV Norway.
Hybrid electric propulsion system
The hybrid electric propulsion system is powered by 4 Nos. diesel generator sets along with a 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 a 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.
Delivering high-quality vessels
North Star Shipping is recognised as a fully professional and proven mission-critical service partner, particularly in 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 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.”
Sustainable solutions
“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 NorthStar in the offshore renewable segment," said Mr. Madhu Nair, the Chairman, and Managing Director of CSL.
"CSL is committed to building high-quality products with a focused interest in sustainable solutions to serve the evolving maritime markets.”
Zero Emission Autonomous Cargo Ferries
CSL has been active in the international shipbuilding arena for more than two decades
CSL has been active in the international shipbuilding arena for more than two decades (having delivered more than 50 high-end vessels to countries such as the USA, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and the Middle East).
CSL’s rich experience and proven track record in the construction of several high-end offshore support vessels to West Europe, coupled with its recent construction & delivery of Zero Emission Autonomous Cargo Ferries to a Norwegian client.
Multi-Purpose Vessels
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 shipbuilding, having recently delivered India’s First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier to the Indian navy with more orders in hand for Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes and NewGeneration Missile Vessels.