VARD, a subsidiary of the Fincantieri Group and shipbuilder of specialised vessels, on Wednesday (22 July) announced that it has been awarded a contract with the British maritime safety and welfare organisation Trinity House for two multi-function Buoy and Lighthouse maintenance vessels. Future-proofed for the maritime energy transition, the vessels are designed with the capability for conversion to methanol fuel, an optimised hull design and highly efficient propulsion equipment. The vessels for Trinity House feature a hybrid propulsion system and can operate fully on battery power while alongside, at anchor and for limited duration during dynamic positioning and transit. The battery system also provides peak shaving and spinning reserve support to the main generators, minimising fuel consumption, emissions and environmental impact. These are the first two vessels VARD has signed of its kind. The value of the contract exceeds EUR 220 million. The two multi-function Buoy and Lighthouse maintenance vessels are of VARD 9 601 design, designed by Vard Marine Inc in Canada in collaboration with Vard Design in Norway. VARD was awarded the contract following a public tender. The two new vessels will replace the ageing THV Patricia and THV Galatea and are part of Trinity House’s plans to renew their fleet of three vessels. Trinity House is a maritime safety and welfare organisation that works for the benefit and safety of all mariners as a General Lighthouse Authority and maritime charity. As the General Lighthouse Authority for England, Wales, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar, it operates marine aids to navigation that are critical to the safety of ships and seafarers.   Photo credit: VARD Published: 24 July, 2026