Recently, Norwegian shipbuilding group VARD launched Japan’s largest self-propelled hybrid cable-laying vessel (NB 980) at its shipyard in Romania, built for Japan’s Toyo Construction.
The new vessel held its keel-laying ceremony in September 2024, and in March of this year, its stern section was transported from Braila, Romania, to Tulcea to be joined with the previously completed bow section. Outfitting and commissioning will take place at VARD’s Norwegian shipyard.
VARD stated that the vessel features a hull structure specifically optimized for Japan’s natural and construction environments, enabling operations in both shallow and deep waters. It is designed for tasks related to offshore floating wind farms and HVDC transmission projects.
Notably, this marks the first time VARD has simultaneously constructed a single vessel across two different hull factories.
According to reports, Toyo Construction signed the contract for this cable-laying vessel with VARD in December 2023, with a cost exceeding $200 million (approximately RMB 1.434 billion). The vessel, based on the VARD 9 15 design, measures 150 meters in length, 28 meters in width, and 12 meters in depth, with a maximum draft of 7 meters. It has a gross tonnage of 19,000 tons, a top speed of 13 knots, and accommodates 90 crew members. With a cable-carrying capacity of 9,000 tons, it will be used for medium- and high-voltage AC inter-array cable laying, as well as cable burial and construction work. Delivery is expected in Q2 2026.
In addition to its primary role as a cable-laying vessel, the ship is equipped with a high-performance crane and a large deck for construction tasks, making it suitable for mooring operations in offshore floating wind projects. It will feature a four-point mooring system, a helicopter deck, and a DP2 dynamic positioning system powered by five main generator sets and two battery packs. Huisman will supply a 250-ton all-electric hybrid offshore crane and a 100-ton knuckle boom crane for the vessel.
The new vessel incorporates the latest sustainable technologies to reduce its carbon footprint during operations and port stays. It will be outfitted with large battery packs, shore power connections, and a state-of-the-art energy management system. These sustainable features aim to enhance energy efficiency while reducing emissions of CO2, NOx, and SOx.
VARD subsidiary Vard Electro is also involved in the project, providing SeaQ equipment and solutions, including the SeaQ Power energy storage system, switchboards, and shore power connections. For communications, Vard Electro will supply onboard networking, entertainment, and communication systems. Vard Interiors will deliver modern interior solutions and a green HVAC-R system designed to create a comfortable living and working environment onboard.
Toyo Construction is a Japanese integrated construction company engaged in civil and construction projects domestically and internationally. It operates various work vessels and has undertaken projects such as container terminals and offshore airports. In 2023, Toyo Construction and Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines established a joint venture focused on offshore wind power generation, aiming to create synergies across a broad range of offshore wind-related activities, including survey planning, work vessel procurement, and offshore construction.
