VARD, part of the Fincantieri Group, will design and build a new Commissioning Service Operation Vessel for Taiwan-based Dong Fang Offshore, expanding DFO’s capabilities across offshore wind, subsea operations and power cable projects.
Valued at between €66 million and €75 million, the newbuild will be based on VARD’s 4 39 design and represents the fifth vessel contracted between the two companies since 2024.
The vessel is designed as a flexible offshore platform capable of supporting wind installation and maintenance, subsea work and cable installation and repair.
A key option is a 70-tonne active heave compensated offshore crane for subsea operations. The vessel will also feature a 700 m² working deck prepared for cable-lay and repair spreads, an ROV launch and recovery system and provision for a future helideck.
Battery-hybrid propulsion will be combined with an optimised hull and propulsion configuration intended to improve seakeeping, station keeping and offshore workability while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Accommodation will comprise 90 cabins for up to 120 people, alongside offices, briefing rooms, conference and cinema facilities and crew dayrooms.
“We are very happy to make a repeat order with VARD for a new CSOV that has the option for subsea capability, allowing DFO to deliver more comprehensive subsea solutions for our regional offshore wind and energy customers across the lifecycle of their projects,” said Polin Chen, CEO of DFO.
VARD will manage design, hull construction, outfitting, systems integration, commissioning and delivery through its integrated shipbuilding network.
Vard Electro will provide the vessel’s power and automation package, including SeaQ Green Pilot for performance monitoring and the SeaQ Bridge integrated operating platform, while Vard Interiors will deliver HVAC-R, piping and accommodation systems.
The latest order follows two CSOVs contracted by DFO in 2024 and a further two vessels ordered in 2025, including an Offshore Construction Subsea vessel.
