Cochin Shipyard lays keel for North Star hybrid vessel

The VARD vessel is designed for offshore wind operations.

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) recently laid keel for a hybrid electric Service Operation Vessel (SOV) for North Star Shipping Aberdeen Limited, UK.

The VARD 4 19 SOV is designed in collaboration with VARD AS, Norway, and is set for operations in the offshore wind sector once completed, CSL said.

The vessel is under DNV classification, is equipped with a hybrid electric system powered by lithium-ion batteries and DC-based power system, and has an 80-personnel capacity.

It is also fitted with electric Azimuth propulsion for better manoeuvrability and gangway arrangement for safe personnel transfers in offshore environments.

The VARD vessel is the second SOV being constructed by CSL for North Star.