VARD has successfully delivered the Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) Windward Athens to Windward Offshore GmbH & Co. KG, marking another milestone in its commitment to timely and complex vessel construction.
The vessel, designated NB 963, showcases VARD’s continued excellence in delivering advanced ships tailored for the offshore wind sector.
Martin Ingjerd, Vice President and Project Manager at VARD, emphasized this achievement, stating that the delivery reaffirms their ability to meet demanding schedules in a highly specialized industry.
Adding to the significance of the event, Windward Offshore’s Managing Director Bastian Hagebeuker expressed pride in commencing a charter immediately following the vessel’s delivery.
The Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) Windward Athens is a state-of-the-art vessel purpose-built to support installation, commissioning, and maintenance activities in offshore wind farms.
Constructed by VARD in Norway and delivered on schedule at the Vard Brattvaag shipyard, Windward Athens marks a significant milestone for Windward Offshore as it enters the offshore wind operations and maintenance market.
Windward Athens measures 87.5m in length and has a beam of 19.5m, offering substantial deck space and stability for offshore operations.
The vessel is equipped to accommodate up to 120 personnel, providing comfortable living quarters and operational facilities for extended missions at sea.
Technologically, the vessel is outfitted with advanced systems to ensure safe and efficient operations. These include a motion-compensated gangway for secure personnel transfers between the vessel and offshore structures, as well as high-performance crane systems for handling heavy equipment.
Additionally, Windward Athens features hybrid propulsion technology that is prepared for future conversion to green methanol, aligning with sustainability goals in the maritime and energy sectors.
Windward Athens is the first of four sister vessels being developed by Windward Offshore, with Windward Paris, Windward Munich, and Windward Hamburg currently under construction.
These vessels will form the backbone of Windward Offshore’s fleet, enabling the company to deliver integrated solutions across the entire lifecycle of offshore wind projects. Windward Athens will begin operations with RWE, a leading global developer in offshore wind, in collaboration with North Star Renewables.
Photo by Alf
