Edda Wind continues fleet expansion

Edda Wind, a 50:50 joint venture between Norway’s Wilhelmsen group and Østensjø, has ordered two commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) at Astilleros Gondan in Spain.

The 89.3m-long vessels, due for delivery in 2023 and 2024, will provide accommodation for up to 97 wind turbine engineers and 23 marine crew in high-spec surroundings. The ships will have motion-compensated gangway systems with an adjustable pedestal to ensure safe connections to wind turbines, even in harsh conditions.

The CSOVs will be designed for zero-emission operation in the future, possibly involving the use of hydrogen as fuel. This, however, will depend on Norwegian Government support for green shipping projects.

Commenting on the new ship contracts, Kenneth Walland, CEO of Edda Wind, said: “It is crucial to be able to deliver quality vessels with predictable delivery times in the wind segment. We are very happy to see Gondan as the shipyard for these latest vessels in addition to the vessels they are already building for Edda Wind. We know their capabilities well, and the yard has proven to deliver the quality we require with the agreed delivery times.”

Wilhelmsen group CEO, Thomas Wilhelmsen, added: “The tremendous growth expected in the offshore wind market over the decades to come, and our ambitions to be an integral part of that journey, will require significant investments. To be able to capitalise on the market opportunities ahead, we have together with Østensjø decided to prepare for an initial public offering of Edda Wind.”