Vard Begins Construction of Second UPO Commissioning Service Vessel
Vard cuts steel for the second hybrid CSOV ordered by the UPO joint venture.
1Steel Cutting Ceremony
Vard has officially commenced the construction of NB 1004, the second commissioning service operation vessel ordered by the UPO joint venture. This milestone follows the initial steel cutting process at the Vard Vung Tau shipyard located in Vietnam. The vessel is part of a two-ship order placed by UPO last year.
2Joint Venture Background
UPO is a strategic partnership established in October 2025 between Taiwan-based U-Ming Marine Offshore and UK-based Purus. The venture aims to significantly expand offshore wind vessel operations across Taiwan and the broader Asia Pacific region. This collaboration leverages regional expertise from the Far Eastern Group alongside international maritime operational standards.
3Vessel Design Specifications
Both vessels are built upon the Vard 4 19 design, measuring 88 metres in length. These hybrid CSOVs are engineered to accommodate up to 120 people, including 93 technicians. The design incorporates advanced hybrid battery propulsion systems and DP2 dynamic positioning to ensure operational efficiency and safety during complex offshore wind maintenance tasks.
4Regional Operational Focus
The vessels are specifically tailored for the challenging environmental conditions found in Taiwan. Key features include specialized station-keeping capabilities and systems designed to facilitate personnel transfers amidst regional wind, current, and wave conditions. These technical adaptations are critical for maintaining consistent service schedules for offshore wind farms throughout the local area.
5Advanced Equipment Integration
A core component of the vessel's utility is the 3D-compensated walk-to-work gangway system. These units are supplied by Seaonics, a subsidiary of Vard, ensuring seamless integration with the ship's architecture. This technology allows for safe and stable access to wind turbines, even when the vessel is operating in rough sea states.
6First Vessel Progress
Construction of the first vessel, identified as NB 996, is currently progressing at Vard’s shipyard in Tulcea, Romania. Steel cutting for this initial unit began in November 2025. UPO recently confirmed that this first vessel has been officially named UPO Atlantic, marking a significant step in the fleet's development and deployment timeline.
7Strategic Market Expansion
The investment in these two hybrid vessels reflects a broader trend of scaling infrastructure to support the growing offshore wind sector in Asia. By utilizing both Vietnamese and Romanian shipyards, Vard is managing a complex production schedule to meet the delivery requirements of UPO's regional expansion strategy in the Pacific market.
8Future Industry Impact
As these vessels move toward completion, they will provide essential support for the maintenance of offshore wind assets. The reliance on hybrid propulsion and advanced motion-compensated gangways highlights the industry's shift toward more efficient and safer maritime operations. These ships represent a long-term commitment to the sustainability of regional energy infrastructure.