Kongsberg Maritime wins contract for new offshore wind support vessels
Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract with IWS Fleet AS, a subsidiary of Integrated Wind Solutions (IWS), to provide vessel design and integrated technology systems for four new Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs).
The vessels will be constructed by Nantong Rainbow Offshore & Engineering Equipment in China, with the first delivery scheduled for 2029.
Based on Kongsberg Maritime’s latest UT 5519 DEx design, the newbuildings will form the next generation of IWS Fleet’s Skywalker Class, expanding the series to ten vessels.
Newbuildings designed for offshore wind operations
The four vessels will support the commissioning, operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms, providing accommodation and offshore access for technicians working on extended assignments.
Each CSOV will accommodate up to 120 personnel and operate as a walk-to-work platform, allowing maintenance teams to remain close to offshore wind installations.
The latest design builds on the operational experience of the first six Skywalker Class vessels delivered since 2023.
A double-ended configuration will enable the ships to manoeuvre efficiently between wind turbines, reducing repositioning requirements during offshore operations.
Integrated propulsion and positioning systems
Under the agreement, Kongsberg Maritime will supply the vessel design and a range of integrated systems, including electrical power, navigation, bridge equipment, propulsion, deck machinery and dynamic positioning technology.
The new vessels will feature four rim-drive azimuth thrusters, with two positioned forward and two aft, supporting their symmetrical operating configuration.
The thrusters use permanent magnet motor technology, designed to improve energy efficiency, manoeuvrability and vessel control.
Combined with the dynamic positioning system, the propulsion arrangement will allow the vessels to maintain their position and operate close to offshore wind turbines.
The contract extends the existing cooperation between Kongsberg Maritime and IWS Fleet as demand continues for specialised vessels supporting offshore wind developments.
