In a significant move to enhance operations for floating offshore wind farms, UK-based North Star has launched a partnership aimed at developing next-generation service operations vessels (SOVs). The company has entered into a memorandum of understanding with industry leaders MO4, Principle Power, SMST, VARD, and Voith Group to create a dedicated working group focused on the design and testing of innovative SOV concepts.
The collaboration aims to deliver a detailed ship design tailored for large-scale projects, including the 17 gigawatts of floating wind capacity awarded in the recent ScotWind leasing round. As the offshore wind sector expands into deeper waters, it faces critical logistical and operational challenges that require efficient and cost-effective solutions.
North Star emphasizes that while the industry has successfully executed transfers from traditional SOVs to floating platforms, there is still significant potential for improvement, particularly when both the vessel and platform are in motion. This partnership seeks to leverage commercial-scale projects to optimize these transfers, creating bespoke SOVs that address the specific needs of floating wind project operators.
Andrew Duncan, North Star’s renewables and innovations director, stated, “Floating offshore wind presents both challenges and opportunities. Through this collaboration, we can innovate and design a solution specifically tailored for GW-scale projects. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, we can ensure our future SOVs deliver the highest levels of safety, efficiency, and operational flexibility, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future.”
The partnership will see North Star spearheading the vessel design process, integrating logistics and service requirements to meet field demands. MO4 will assess the workability of the proposed SOV concept using digital twin and AI decision support software. Principle Power will contribute critical data on the motion characteristics of WindFloat platforms, defining operational use cases for inspection, maintenance, and repair.
Additionally, SMST will provide expertise in gangway technology, offering data on various walk-to-work options and workability parameters. VARD, a global designer and specialized vessel shipbuilder, will serve as the key integrator, ensuring a cohesive floating offshore wind ship design. Lastly, Voith Group will present propulsion options, selecting the most suitable dynamic positioning systems to ensure stability and performance in the challenging floating offshore wind environment.
Duncan concluded, “The detailed ship design will undergo rigorous workability assessments to ensure it meets the highest standards of performance, safety, and efficiency before implementation in future floating wind projects.”
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