Grampian Kestrel

Setting new standards in offshore wind support

Sector Energy

Type Commissioning Service Operation Vessel

Delivered May 2025

Purpose-built CSOV delivered as planned

Grampian Kestrel, built on the VARD 4 22 design, is optimized for energy efficiency, operational flexibility, and superior onboard comfort. As the latest in a growing series of high-performance CSOVs for the renewables market, it represents a key step in North Star’s strategy to develop a future-ready offshore wind fleet. Marking an industry first, the vessel has achieved Lloyd’s Register’s Cyber Resilience classification — setting a new standard for digital safety and operational integrity in the sector.

The challenge

North Star is on an ambitious path to become a leading provider of commissioning and service operation vessels (CSOVs) for the offshore wind industry in Europe, aiming to deliver 40 vessels by 2040. To meet growing demand and uphold its reputation for reliability, North Star required a next-generation CSOV that could support all phases of offshore wind farm development, deliver high energy efficiency and low emissions and achieve the highest standards in cyber resilience and crew comfort.

The vessel needed to be not only technically advanced and operationally flexible but also built to the highest digital and environmental standards — with a focus on safety, innovation, and long-term serviceability.

Value for client

Delivered on time

Our cluster and integrated shipbuilding value chain enables us to deliver on time

Future-ready

A purpose-built CSOV with methanol-ready hybrid propulsion and cutting-edge digital systems, enabling sustainable and efficient operations from day one.

Cyber-secure operations

First vessel in the world to achieve Lloyd’s Register’s Cyber Resilience classification, setting a new benchmark for digital safety, operational integrity, and fleet-wide data security.

What we did

In close collaboration with the customer, we designed, equipped and built a CSOV tailored to North Star’s needs, delivered from Vard Langsten. Based on the energy-efficient VARD 4 22 design, the vessel includes methanol-ready hybrid propulsion, high-comfort single cabins, advanced digital systems, and industry-first cyber resilience classification. Ready for immediate operations, it will support EnBW’s wind farm activities.

"The Grampian Kestrel marks yet another milestone in our strategy towards making North Star a leading SOV provider in Europe. This future-ready vessel is built to service all aspects of an offshore windfarms’ lifecycle and has a competent North Star crew to ensure we deliver our services to the highest standard."

CEO at North Star, Gitte Gard Talmo.

Key contributors

Grampian Kestrel is delivered with SeaQ™ Bridge bridge system for seamless vessel operation and control. SeaQ™ Power Package includes drives, switchboards, and an energy storage system (ESS) for efficient and flexible power management. SeaQ™ Control Package features Integrated Automation System (IAS), Power Management System (PMS), Energy Management System (EMS), and Green Pilot for optimized vessel performance and energy use. SeaQ™ Communication Package covers CCTV, LAN/WLAN, telephone systems, and onboard TV/entertainment solutions for safety, connectivity, and crew comfort.

Vard Interiors supplied the complete interior outfitting, including HVAC-R systems and piping. The delivery ensures high comfort standards, efficient climate control, and reliable functionality throughout the vessel.

Result

Successfully named and delivered in May 2025, she has entered service with EnBW, supporting both construction and O&M phases. The vessel marks a major milestone in North Star’s 40-by-2040 fleet strategy. Grampian Kestrel became the world’s first CSOV to achieve Lloyd’s Register Cyber Resilience notation.

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