Taiwan-based Dong Fang Offshore (DFO) has placed an order with VARD for a new Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV), with the contract valued at between €66 million and €75 million. Delivery of the VARD 4 39-design vessel is scheduled for the third quarter of 2028.
The 102.5 m vessel will have a beam of 19.5 m and accommodation for up to 120 people across 90 cabins. It is designed for offshore wind, subsea and power cable operations and will have a maximum speed of 14 knots.
The CSOV will be equipped with a DP2 dynamic positioning system and a battery-hybrid propulsion arrangement. Its 700 m² work deck will be prepared for cable installation and repair equipment as well as ROV launch and recovery operations.
Deck equipment will include a 32 m ECMC walk-to-work gangway system and a 3D motion compensated ECMC crane. The design also allows for an optional 70 t active heave compensated offshore crane and a helideck. Boat landing arrangements will be provided at the stern and side of the vessel.
The newbuild will also include offices, briefing rooms and dayrooms, along with a space combining conference room and cinema functions.
Vard Electro will provide the vessel’s integrated power and automation package, including SeaQ Green Pilot for data monitoring and SeaQ Bridge for onboard system control. Vard Interiors will supply HVAC-R, piping and interior systems.
The contract represents the fifth newbuild ordered by DFO from VARD. Their earlier agreements covered two Commissioning Service Operation Vessels ordered in May 2024 and two additional vessels contracted in April and May 2025, including an Offshore Construction Subsea vessel.
VARD will be responsible for the design, hull construction, outfitting, system integration, commissioning and delivery of the new vessel. Construction, outfitting and testing are planned at Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam ahead of the scheduled Q3 2028 delivery.
