LDA to build and operate up to three SOVs for Vattenfall

The family owned French company was awarded the contract for the SOVs after what it described as a “complex and competitive” European tender process that took place throughout 2024, that concluded late December. 

The terms include two firm SOVs and one optional SOV, which will be deployed to support operations and maintenance on windfarms in the North Sea.

The first SOV will enter service in mid-2027 on the DanTysk and Sandbank offshore windfarms, each with a capacity of 288 MW. The second SOV will commence operations before the end of 2027, servicing the Nordlicht 1 and 2 windfarms, which have a capacity of 980 MW and 630 MW, respectively. The third, optional SOV is intended for future projects in the North Sea.

The vessels will be registered under the French flag and are designed to have reduced fuel consumption and emissions during operations and in transit, while operating in the harsh conditions in the North Sea year-round.

The shipowner said particular care was taken to enhance the safety and efficiency of workflows, ensuring technicians have optimal working conditions. The vessels also have spacious and comfortable living quarters for rest periods.

Vattenfall Wind head of offshore generation Pavlo Malyshenko said, “After a thorough tender process, we are really happy to have concluded these 10-year contracts and enter into long-term relationship with LDA.

“The vessels will support our mission of safe, reliable and sustainable operation and cost efficiency. This will strengthen competitiveness of our far-offshore wind assets and our position as one of the leading wind developers and operators in Northern Europe.”

LDA president Edouard Louis-Dreyfus said, “We are proud to establish this new partnership with Vattenfall, recognising our expertise in designing and operating purpose-built SOVs. This contract reinforces our ambitions in the global offshore wind industry, and our commitment to decarbonation.”

LDA did not name the designer of the vessels or say where they will be built, but described them as having double-ended hullforms with propellers at both ends, ensuring precise dynamic positioning capability and increased flexibility during offshore operations.

The owner said the ships will have ‘fast-responding’ azimuth thrusters; an adjustable-height stern boat landing to optimise technician transfers between turbines; a walk-to-work gangway located close to the vessel’s centreline, for safe and efficient personnel transfers on both sides of the ship; and a 3D crane to for cargo transfers. They will also have client offices and meeting rooms with large windows, providing a clear view of transfer operations, and what LDA said would be ‘hotel-standard’ accommodation, segregated from working areas, with a focus on rest and relaxation during standby periods.

The vessels will be 90 m in length with a breadth of 20 m and accommodation for 96 people.