Discovery

Purpose-built for Japanese offshore wind market

Sector Energy

Type CLV

Delivered June 2026

Tailor-made vessel for the Japanese offshore wind market

Toyo Construction needed a flexible vessel to support its ambitions in the growing Japanese offshore wind market, while also being capable of operating worldwide.

VARD developed and delivered a tailor-made VARD 9 15 cable laying and construction vessel. At 151 metres long, with a cable carrying capacity of 8,000 tonnes, two offshore cranes and a large working deck, the vessel is designed for both cable installation and a wide range of offshore construction activities.

The project marks the first vessel ordered by Toyo Construction from VARD and the first VARD vessel delivered to the Japanese offshore wind market.

The challenge

Japan’s developing offshore wind market creates demand for specialized vessels capable of supporting increasingly complex offshore construction and cable installation projects.

Toyo Construction needed a vessel designed specifically for Japanese operating conditions and compliant with Japanese class and flag requirements, while maintaining the flexibility required for operations across different water depths and offshore applications.

The result needed to be more than a dedicated cable layer. The vessel had to provide a versatile platform capable of supporting bottom-fixed and floating offshore wind projects as well as other offshore construction activities.

We are honored to celebrate this milestone in partnership with VARD and the many stakeholders who have contributed to making this vessel a reality. As we prepare for full-scale operations in Japan, we remain dedicated to building long-term value for our clients, partners, and the communities we serve.

Tatsuyoshi Nakamura, Representative Director and President, Toyo Construction.

Value for client

Built for flexibility

A removable cable lay system, two offshore cranes and a large working deck allow the vessel to transition between cable laying and a wide range of offshore construction operations. This provides Toyo Construction with a versatile asset for both current and future market requirements.

Optimized for Japanese operations

The VARD 9 15 design has been tailored to the conditions in Japan and developed in accordance with Japanese class and flag requirements. The vessel is designed to operate efficiently in both shallow and deep waters, supporting bottom-fixed and floating offshore wind developments.

Delivered as planned

Our cluster and integrated shipbuilding value chain enables us to deliver on time, ensuring predictable execution and reduced risk for our customers.

What we did

The VARD 9 15 design was tailor-made for Toyo Construction and optimized for Japanese operating conditions. A removable cable lay system, two offshore cranes and a large deck area make the vessel adaptable to a variety of offshore operations.

A large battery system, shore connection and advanced energy management system contribute to improved energy efficiency and reduced emissions.

The hull was built at Vard Shipyards Romania – Tulcea, with outfitting, commissioning and delivery completed at Vard Langsten in Norway.

Vard Electro delivered SeaQ systems including energy storage, switchboards, shore connection and communication systems, while Vard Interiors delivered modern interior solutions and an energy-efficient HVAC-R system.

VARD is proud to deliver this complex and modern vessel to Toyo Construction. She is truly a product of strong collaboration with Toyo Construction, ClassNK and VARD, working together as OneTeam.

Alberto Maestrini, Chairman, VARD Group

Key contributors

Designed by Vard Design in Ålesund, the VARD 9 15 design is especially developed for the need of the customer to cater for the growing Japanese offshore windfarm market, as well as to operate worldwide. It will have an optimal hull design to suit the natural and construction conditions in Japan, allowing it to be used in both shallow waters and deep waters for floating offshore wind power generation and DC power transmission projects.

Vard Electro delivered SeaQ equipment and solutions, including SeaQ Power with energy storage systems, switchboards, and shore connection,

When it comes to communication, Vard Electro has delivered the network, entertainment - and communication systems on board.

Vard Interiors delivered the modern Interior solutions and green HVAC R system aiming to create a good living and working environment onboard the vessel.

Result

Delivered on time on 26 June 2026, the vessel provides Toyo Construction with a highly capable and flexible platform for its growing offshore wind activities.

The project also represents an important milestone for VARD – demonstrating how our integrated value chain and engineering expertise can be adapted to specific market and customer requirements.