VARD ZeroClass – Accelerate to Zero

One year ago at Nor-Shipping 2022 VARD launched ZeroClass. The first ready to order zero emission vessel series. The response has been beyond expectations. Many ZeroClass vessels are in concept development together with ambitious customers. Join us at Nor-Shipping 2023 to explore how we can accelerate your journey to a zero emission future.

03. May 2023

Rendering of five zero-emission vessel concepts at sea.

Endless opportunities

The time to act is now, but in an uncertain world it is hard to see a viable alternative to Marine Diesel Oil. Get inspiration from our latest projects to see how VARD can enable your sustainable business at sea. We are ready to collaborate with you on your journey

ZeroClass milestones

  • Design and planning of many commercial zero class prospects together with customers.
  • Cooperation with DNV on QRA (Quantitative Risk Assessment) for a compressed hydrogen ship – extended our insights and experience regarding approval and safety management of hydrogen installations.
  • Awarded funding and started 6 major research projects to support zero class developments.
  • Achieved Approval in Principle (AIP) from DNV and LR for alternative fuels.
  • Invested in software and competence in advanced hull optimization.
  • Signed several contracts with Fuel ready notation included (Edda Wind, North Star, Purus Wind)
Rendering of a white service operation vessel with a helideck sailing near an offshore wind farm.

VARD and partners awarded 105 million NOK for green research and innovation

The project Ocean Charger, owned by Vard Design receives 38,3 million NOK and Sea Zero, project owner Hurtigruten, receives over 67 million NOK from the Norwegian Government.

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Coastal passenger ship sailing through the Hjørundfjord in Norway, with steep green mountains and snow-capped peaks reflected in calm water.

Hurtigruten Norway ready for next stage in innovative zero-emission ship project

After announcing plans to build their first zero emission ship by 2030, Hurtigruten Norway has now secured leading tech partnerships and applied for funds to embark on a research project to develop their groundbreaking zero-emission ships.

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Large group of visitors in red jackets and hard hats lined up on the gangway of a dark blue offshore vessel at a shipyard quay.

Leading the way in the green maritime transition

The Ocean Charger project is officially launched and the kickoff happened on February 15 2023 with a gathering of all involved partners in Ålesund, Norway. Now, with a strong consortium of industry and research partners, VARD will lead the way from research to testing, validation, and commercialization of new technological solutions for energy transfer to battery-powered ships offshore.

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Smiling man in a dark blazer and white shirt standing in an office atrium with ship models on display behind him.

As an integrated shipbuilder we demonstrate the term ‘one stop shop’. Offering the full range of services is key to achieving reduced emissions, and given our long experience we’re able to step into the unknown with confidence.

– Christian Utvik, SVP Sales and Marketing.

Innovation milestones

The shift to a sustainable future at sea is made possible through innovation and out of the box thinking. Together with customers and partners we explore exciting new concepts and possibilities, like the pioneering Ocean Charger concept. Join us at Nor Shipping to explore the latest developments in smart vessel design and solutions.

  • Nominated to Ocean Innovation Award.
  • Accelerated digital operational and system efficiency solutions based on in-dept data analysis.
  • Partnerships with energy- and green fuel companies to prepare transition to clean fuel for vessels.
Rendering of an offshore charging unit with a cable reel and connector mounted on a platform above the sea.

Ocean Charger nominated for Ocean Solution Award

We are proud to inform that the Ocean Charger concept is one of five nominees for the Ocean Solution Award that has the potential of revolutionize the industry. The winner will be announced during Nor-Shipping this June.

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Illustration of the SeaQ Remote roadmap, showing vessels sailing from a port area with highlighted vessels linked by a dotted route line.

Transforming fleet operations with advanced remote technology ready for autonomous shipping

SeaQ Remote enables centralized remote control of vessel functions for lean manning, enhanced safety and 24/7 support with an expert in the loop.

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Rendering of a Seaonics ECMC crane on a service vessel next to an offshore wind turbine foundation, with a Seaonics Innovation of the Year award badge.

Innovation Award to Seaonics

SEAONICS win Innovation of the Year Award at the 2023 Offshore Support Journal Conference in London

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Smiling man in a light blue shirt standing on a quayside, with a harbour, a small red lighthouse and mountains in the background.

To become more sustainable in the true sense of the word, we stretch for a new level of innovation. Solutions such as the Ocean Charger, the SeaQ Remote, and unsurpassed design optimization tools and processes, enable us to deliver zero emission offshore vessels with minimum energy consumption and high capability. And it is available now.

– Håvard Vollset Lien, VP of Research & Innovation.

Retrofit and conversion

Improving the sustainable performance of existing vessels is fastest way to accelerate to zero. VARD provides a complete range of retrofit and conversion solutions from battery on board and performance enhancing digital solutions to complete re-purposing of offshore vessels for the offshore wind market.


  • Norwind Breeze was originally built as a Plattform Support Vessel (PSV) and was converted into an Service Operation Vessel (SOV) for Norwind Offshore.
  • Longliner Veidar is back at sea after an extensive rebuild.
  • Hybridization references: Siem Stingray, Stril Orion, Stril Polar, Norsea Fighter and Normand Sygna to mention some.
Godmother Maren Kleven Fox and Captain Arve Aure on the gangway of the vessel Norwind Breeze.

Norwind Breeze goes straight into operation

VARD has delivered Norwind Breeze to Norwind Offshore in Ålesund. Norwind Breeze is a Service Operation Vessel (SoV) for offshore wind. The vessel was originally built as a platform supply vessel developed for the oil and gas market and has now been converted to a service operation vessel that will operate in the field of renewable energy for offshore wind farms.

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The fishing vessel Veidar moored at the quayside at dusk, with a man standing on the quay.

Veidar delivered and is back at sea after major rebuild

Longliner Veidar is back at sea after an extensive rebuild at Vard Søviknes following the fire that took place on board last winter. Next stop is the Barents Sea, fishing haddock and cod, something shipowner Sindre Johan Dyb looks forward to. – Finally, Veidar is back where it belongs.

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The vessel REM Commander with a dark blue hull on calm water, in front of a hillside village.

REM signs contract with Vard Electro for a vessel retrofit project

Vard Electro has secured an order with REM to deliver a complete SeaQ Energy Storage System package for a vessel retrofit as the shipowner is proactively upgrading its fleet with hybrid power in pursuit of greener and safer operations with lower fuel costs.

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Smiling man in a dark blazer leaning on a balcony railing overlooking a town and a mountain.

Ship Repair and Conversions have been provided by our Norwegian shipyards since the very beginning. We have the expertise, knowledge, and experience to take care of our customers’ needs in the green and technological transition, and throughout the entire ship's lifetime.

– Wilhelm Eggesbø, Senior Vice President Aftersales.

Vard act now stillbilde uten Grafikk HD 16 9

Countdown to zero emission is on!

Maritime sector needs to reduce its emissions by at least 95% by 2050.

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Photo ze2 without text

Designed for zero

People globally look to Norway for innovation in shipping, and at VARD we push the boundaries.

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Vard optimized for zero still uten tekst

Optimized for zero

Designing for zero is a race for energy conservation and operational performance.

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