Vard, the Norwegian shipbuilder majority-owned by Fincantieri, has been awarded a contract by Taiwan-based Dong Fang Offshore (DFO) for the design and construction of a commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV).

The vessel, based on Vard’s 4 39 design, is intended to support DFO’s operations across the offshore wind, energy and power-cable sectors, carrying out subsea operations, offshore wind installation and maintenance work, as well as cable installation and repair. The contract, said to be worth between €66m and €75m, is the fifth newbuild agreement between the two companies. DFO previously contracted two CSOVs from Vard in May 2024, followed by two more vessels in April and May 2025, one of which is an offshore construction subsea vessel.

Vard said the design combines an optimised hull form with a propulsion configuration aimed at improving seakeeping, reducing motions and accelerations, and supporting station-keeping performance. The CSOV will use a battery-hybrid propulsion setup, which Vard noted is intended to improve workability and operational reliability while reducing environmental impact. It includes an option for a 70-tonne active heave-compensated offshore crane for subsea work, a 700-square-metre work deck prepared for cable-laying and repair operations, and a remotely operated vehicle launch and recovery system.

The new vessel will measure 102.5 metres in length, with a beam of 19.5 metres, and will be fitted with a 32-metre gangway system and a motion-compensated crane, alongside the optional 70-tonne offshore crane. It will have a maximum speed of 14 knots and a DP2 dynamic positioning system.

Polin Chen, chief executive of DFO, said: “We are very happy to make a repeat order with VARD for a new CSOV that has the option for subsea capability, allowing DFO to deliver more comprehensive subsea solutions for our regional offshore wind and energy customers across the lifecycle of their projects. We have been impressed by the quality and capability of Vard Vung Tau and look forward to receiving another newbuild that will meet the high levels of comfort and quality required by our customers.”

Vard said it will deliver the project through its integrated value chain, spanning design, hull construction, outfitting, integration, commissioning and delivery. Vard Electro will supply the vessel’s power and automation system, monitored via the SeaQ Green Pilot platform, which the company said allows vessel data to be collected and accessed through a cloud service. The vessel will also feature Vard’s SeaQ Bridge system, intended to give operators oversight and control of onboard systems from a single location.

Roger Sandnes, senior vice-president of sales at Vard, said: “This contract is another strong confirmation of VARD’s ability and proven track record in delivering advanced vessels on time and on budget. Together with our owner Fincantieri, we work with customers worldwide to develop tailor-made vessels that meet their specific ambitions, operational needs and market opportunities. This vessel has been developed through a close and constructive process with DFO. We are proud that DFO has once again chosen VARD as its partner and look forward to continuing our strong collaboration in the years to come.”

The CSOV will be built, outfitted and delivered from Vard’s Vung Tau shipyard in Vietnam, with delivery scheduled for the third quarter of 2028.

DFO, headquartered in Taiwan, operates a fleet ranging from 27-metre vessels to 130-metre cable-laying ships, with 17 vessels either in operation or under construction. The company is listed on Taiwan’s Emerging Stock Board and describes itself as one of the country’s contractors for cable installation work tied to offshore wind projects.

Vard operates shipbuilding facilities in Norway, Romania, Brazil and Vietnam, and is roughly 98% owned by Fincantieri, the Italian shipbuilding group.