By GMM Technologies | 2026-11-3 | Ship Building News |
On October 27, 2026, the Vard Vung Tau shipyard successfully launched NB985, an offshore energy construction vessel built for the Norwegian company Wind Energy Construction AS. Designed according to the VARD 3 11 model, the vessel measures 111.5 meters in length and 22.4 meters in width, with accommodations and workspaces for 120 people. Notable features include specialized offshore construction equipment, such as a 150-ton capacity crane, a 3D motion-compensated gangway, a helideck, and a dedicated area for underwater robotic operations. NB985 was developed to support offshore wind energy projects, the installation of subsea infrastructure, and the inspection, maintenance, and repair of subsea pipelines—tasks that require the vessel to maintain stable operational capabilities while working far offshore under challenging sea and weather conditions.
One of the most critical pieces of equipment on the NB985 is a specialized crane with a design lifting capacity of 150 tonnes, equipped with a vertical heave compensation system. When a vessel operates offshore, ocean waves cause the hull to constantly rise and fall. This motion can complicate the process of lowering structures or machinery to the seabed. The heave compensation system mitigates the impact of the vessel’s oscillations on lifting operations, enabling more precise positioning and handling of equipment. In addition to the large crane, the NB985 features a specialized “walk-to-work” bridge, which allows technicians to move safely between the vessel and offshore structures. This bridge utilizes an electronically controlled system capable of compensating for motion in three dimensions. By doing so, it adjusts to minimize the relative movement between the vessel and the offshore structure, ensuring safer personnel transfers. According to VARD, this is the first offshore construction vessel built by the company to feature a permanently installed motion-compensated bridge, integrated with a 3D motion-compensated crane system. The NB985 is also equipped with several other notable features. Based on the owner’s specifications, the design includes a helideck, a working deck spanning approximately 950 square meters, and an enclosed hangar area designed to house two remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs).
The vessel also features a “moonpool”—an opening in the hull that provides direct access to the water below—to facilitate the deployment of equipment and subsea technical operations. This structure allows gear to be lowered into the water from within the ship, rather than solely over the side. In terms of power, the NB985 is designed with a hybrid propulsion system that incorporates a 1 MWh battery storage unit; it is also future-proofed for the potential use of methanol as fuel. The electrical and control systems, branded as “SeaQ,” are supplied by Vard Electro, a subsidiary of VARD. These components are part of the NB985’s design configuration. Following its launch, the vessel will undergo further outfitting, equipment integration, and testing before being delivered to its owner.
The owner of vessel NB985 is Wind Energy Construction AS, a Norwegian enterprise involving the founders of Norwind Offshore, alongside partners O.N. Sunde and RGI Marine. Norwind Offshore was established in 2021 through a partnership between the Farstad, Volstad, and Kleven families—names with multi-generational legacies in the Norwegian maritime transport and offshore oil and gas services sectors. Another partner in the project is O.N. Sunde, a family-owned investment group founded by businessman Olav Nils Sunde in 1988. The group owns the ferry operator Color Line and maintains business interests across various sectors, including the chemical industry, fashion, and retail, employing over 7,000 people throughout its operations. As for the contractor, VARD is a Norway-based designer and builder of specialized vessels, operating as part of the Italian group Fincantieri. Fincantieri is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding conglomerates, with a diverse portfolio spanning cruise ships, naval vessels, specialized offshore support vessels, and high-tech maritime equipment.
The Vard Vung Tau shipyard was established in 2006, commenced production in 2008, and was officially inaugurated in 2010. According to information on the VARD website, the facility spans a total land and water area of approximately 154,900 square meters and employs about 1,263 permanent staff. The shipyard is capable of executing the entire shipbuilding process—from hull fabrication and equipment installation to final outfitting and delivery. Notably, in 2024, VARD undertook an expansion of the shipyard, increasing its production capacity from 4 to 7 vessels per year—a 75% increase. The vessels constructed at this facility include offshore oil and gas service vessels, offshore wind farm support vessels, specialized craft, and certain types of expedition cruise ships.
