UK service operations vessel (SOV) operator North Star has teamed up with five other companies to build SOVs tailored specifically for floating wind farms. The company signed a memorandum of understanding with MO4, Principle Power, SMST, VARD, and Voith Group to help fast-track the design and testing of a new SOV concept. The result should be a ship design that will meet commercial-scale projects’ needs, such as the 17GW of floating projects awarded in the ScotWind leasing round. North Star stated that the industry had demonstrated the ability to complete transfers from traditional SOVs to floating wind platforms safely but that there was room for improvement in transfers where both the vessel and platform are dynamic and in motion. The company believes that commercial-scale projects provide the opportunity to optimise transfers by developing bespoke SOVs operated under long-term contracts that specifically address the requirements of the local floating wind project operators. This collaboration was formed for exactly that purpose. “Our goal is to create an innovative, best-in-class ship design that supports the rapid expansion of floating wind technology,” said Andrew Duncan, North Star’s renewables and innovations director. ‍North Star will lead the vessel design process while digital twin and AI decision support software firm MO4 will be responsible for assessing the workability of the proposed SOV concept, focusing on vessel motions, gangway performance, and the movement range of the floating wind turbine foundations.‍ Principle Power will provide data on the range of motions expected from WindFloat platforms and ensure the SOV is optimised for the next generation of floating wind projects. SMST will provide different walk-to-work options and Vard will combine inputs from all partners to develop a cohesive ship design. Voith Group will contribute propulsion options and the most suitable DP systems to maintain stability. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1_95_0_1_2'); }); TagsOffshore Wind United Kingdom