VARD has secured a contract from Dong Fang Offshore (DFO) for the design and construction of a new Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV), in a deal valued at between €66 million and €75 million. The vessel will be built at Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam and is scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2028. It will become the fifth vessel ordered by DFO from VARD, extending a partnership that began with two CSOV orders in 2024 and expanded with two further vessels in 2025. New vessel targets offshore wind and subsea operations Based on the VARD 4 39 design, the new CSOV will measure approximately 102.5 metres in length and 19.5 metres in width. It has been designed to support offshore wind installation and maintenance, subsea operations, as well as power cable installation and repair. The vessel will feature a battery-hybrid configuration combined with an optimized hull and propulsion system. According to VARD, the setup is designed to improve seakeeping and station-keeping performance while supporting greater operational efficiency. Its offshore equipment will include a 32-metre walk-to-work system and a 3D motion-compensated crane. A 700-square-metre work deck will also be prepared for cable-laying and repair operations. The vessel will be equipped for ROV launch and recovery and prepared for the future installation of a helideck. DFO will also have the option to add a 70-tonne active heave-compensated offshore crane for subsea work. Fifth VARD vessel for Dong Fang Offshore The new contract continues DFO’s fleet expansion with VARD. The shipbuilder secured orders for two CSOVs from the company in 2024, followed by two additional vessels in 2025, including an Offshore Subsea Construction vessel. “This new contract further strengthens our long-standing relationship with Dong Fang Offshore and confirms VARD’s ability to deliver highly specialized vessels tailored to the evolving needs of offshore operators,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Manag