Construction Begins on North Star’s Hybrid-Electric SOV for EnBW | Maritime
North Star Launches Hybrid-Electric Service Vessel
North Star, in collaboration with Cochin Shipyard Ltd., has commenced construction on a new hybrid-electric service operations vessel (SOV) for EnBW. The vessel is set to support the He Dreiht wind farm off Germany’s coast, beginning operations in late 2026. This significant milestone was celebrated on February 25, 2025, at Cochin Shipyard in India, where the planning and construction are underway. North Star’s chief technology officer, James Bradford, attended the ceremony, marking the first steel cut for the project.
Innovative Design and Features
The new SOV is designed to accommodate up to 34 wind technicians who will maintain the wind farm’s 64 turbines, located approximately 90 km northwest of Borkum and 110 km west of Helgoland. This vessel will serve as both a logistics hub and a warehouse, enhancing operational efficiency in the field.
Constructed under the VARD 407 design, the SOV is tailored to meet EnBW’s specific operational needs. It features Electric Voith Schneider propulsion (eVSP) and is designed to utilize methanol as a future fuel source. The vessel is equipped with advanced technology, including a height-adjustable motion-compensated gangway and a 3D compensated crane. These features are aimed at optimizing performance and supporting decarbonization efforts. North Star’s Decision Support system will also be integrated, allowing for real-time optimization of onboard systems.
This project follows North Star’s recent announcement of a second contract with EnBW for a commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV), named Grampian Kestrel. This vessel will provide essential accommodation and logistics support during the construction and commissioning phase in 2025, leading to the SOV’s arrival. North Star’s growing presence in Germany and the European offshore wind sector is further solidified by these contracts, showcasing the company’s commitment to supporting the energy transition.
Bruno Bartel, North Star’s European renewables lead, expressed enthusiasm about the first steel cutting, highlighting the collaboration with EnBW and VARD to develop a robust SOV. He emphasized the vessel’s innovative hull design, which addresses sea state and wave height challenges, ensuring safe and efficient personnel transfers. This milestone marks the beginning of North Star’s ambitious growth strategy in the offshore wind market across Europe.
