NB 975 and 976 at quay: A milestone in the VARD North Star collaboration
Two advanced CSOVs - NB 975 and NB 976 - are now alongside the quay at Vard Langsten, Norway, marking an important step in the ongoing partnership between VARD and North Star.
02. May 2025
VARD 4 22 design
These vessels, part of the VARD 4 22 design series, are tailored to North Star’s operational needs in offshore wind. Built to deliver high efficiency, optimal comfort, and operational flexibility, they reflect a shared focus on delivering reliable, future-ready tonnage to support the growing offshore wind sector.
Seeing the two vessels side by side at Vard Langsten shows the scale of North Star’s commitment to supporting the offshore wind sector, with a strategy of 40 offshore wind vessels by 2040.
This delivery forms part of North Star’s offshore wind fleet strategy, with eight vessels already delivered or under build and more in the pipeline. The company has committed over €400 million in capital to purpose-built SOVs to date, supported by Partners Group and financial partners, as it positions itself as a leading player in the sector.
Partnership backed by performance
The delivery of NB 975 and 976 looks to continue a track record of performance, with proven technologies and increased efficiencies in field supporting North Star’s growing client base.
As an essential part of project delivery, the CSOV is the offshore base of operations, enabling technician transfers, walk-to-work access, accommodation, and cargo handling during the commissioning and maintenance phases of a wind farm’s life. The Grampian Kestrel offers exceptional onboard logistics, comfort, storage capacity, and operability.
Purpose-built, not off-the-shelf
NB 975 and 976 are based on a proven platform but designed in close collaboration with North Star. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach — these are customized vessels, developed to match North Star’s specific strategy and the demands they see in the market.
“Our long-standing working relationship with VARD allows us to react quickly and shape each vessel to suit evolving operational needs,” says Andrew Duncan, Renewables & Innovations Director at North Star. “These CSOVs are a result of that approach - designed, built and delivered to reflect what we need at sea. The working relationship formed over the last five successful years with Vard allow us to collaborate on the optimums – from operations, performance, comfort and windfarm workflow”.
Looking ahead
The collaboration between VARD and North Star continues beyond these deliveries. Work is already underway on the next generation of designs, including the MIDI class and vessels prepared for floating offshore wind. The partnership combines design agility with operational insight — ensuring readiness for the next wave of offshore wind development.
“Seeing NB 975 and 976 alongside at Vard Langsten is a proud moment for all of us at VARD,” says Runar Vågnes, SVP Sales & Marketing in VARD. “Together with North Star, we’ve designed and built highly advanced CSOVs that not only meet today’s needs but are ready for tomorrow’s offshore wind operations. This milestone reinforces our shared commitment to performance, innovation, and delivering sustainable business at sea.”
