COCHIN SHIPYARD LAID KEEL FOR NEW HYBRID SOV FOR NORTH STAR SHIPPING LTD., UK
Cochin, August 21, 2025 – Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), India's leading shipbuilding and ship repair organization, achieved a significant milestone with the keel-laying ceremony for a state-of-the-art hybrid Service Operation Vessel (SOV) for by M/s. North Star Shipping (Aberdeen) Limited, UK to serve the growing offshore renewable energy segment. The ceremony was officiated by Mr. James Bradford, Chief Technology Officer at North Star Shipping, who laid the keel for the ship in the presence of Mr. Michael Reid, Head of Special Projects at North Star Shipping, Mr. Jose V J (Director – Finance), Mr. Harikrishnan S. (Executive Director – Shipbuilding), Mr. Rajesh Gopalakrishnan (Executive Director – Ship repair), along with other senior officials from CSL, and representatives from North Star site team.
UK-based M/s. North Star Shipping Ltd. is a pioneer in the offshore renewable vessels segment, committed to developing sustainable energy solutions in response to the global movement towards a more environmentally friendly future. The 68 m hybrid-electric SOV is designed in collaboration with VARD AS, Norway. The VARD 4 07 SOV is first of the two SOVs being constructed by CSL for North Star.
The vessels is built under the classification of DNV, equipped with a hybrid electric system powered by lithium-ion batteries, fitted with electric cycloidal propulsion for enhanced manoeuvrability and modern walk to work gangway arrangement enabling safe and efficient personnel transfers in offshore environments. Once commissioned, this state-of-the-art walk-to-work vessel is set to transform service, maintenance, and operational tasks in the offshore wind sector. Purpose-built to meet the rigorous demands of offshore wind farms, the vessel will serve as a multifunctional platform, combining accommodation, logistics, and maintenance capabilities.
Vessel’s Key features include:
• Battery Hybrid Power management system
• DP2 Class Dynamic positioning system.
• Capacity for 54 personnel, including specialized technicians and crew, with high standards of Comfort onboard.
• Dedicated facilities for wind turbine maintenance, ensuring efficient and safe operations.
• Integrated warehouse and logistics centre, streamlining the supply chain and reducing downtime.
• Advanced walk-to-work systems, enabling safe and reliable personnel transfers to offshore installations.
The event marks a significant milestone in the long-term partnership between Cochin Shipyard Ltd. and North Star Shipping Ltd., reflecting a shared vision for innovation and excellence in offshore renewable vessels market.
Official Spokesperson
Cochin Shipyard Limited
Cochin, August 21, 2025 – Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), India's leading shipbuilding and ship repair organization, achieved a significant milestone with the keel-laying ceremony for a state-of-the-art hybrid Service Operation Vessel (SOV) for by M/s. North Star Shipping (Aberdeen) Limited, UK to serve the growing offshore renewable energy segment. The ceremony was officiated by Mr. James Bradford, Chief Technology Officer at North Star Shipping, who laid the keel for the ship in the presence of Mr. Michael Reid, Head of Special Projects at North Star Shipping, Mr. Jose V J (Director – Finance), Mr. Harikrishnan S. (Executive Director – Shipbuilding), Mr. Rajesh Gopalakrishnan (Executive Director – Ship repair), along with other senior officials from CSL, and representatives from North Star site team.
UK-based M/s. North Star Shipping Ltd. is a pioneer in the offshore renewable vessels segment, committed to developing sustainable energy solutions in response to the global movement towards a more environmentally friendly future. The 68 m hybrid-electric SOV is designed in collaboration with VARD AS, Norway. The VARD 4 07 SOV is first of the two SOVs being constructed by CSL for North Star.
The vessels is built under the classification of DNV, equipped with a hybrid electric system powered by lithium-ion batteries, fitted with electric cycloidal propulsion for enhanced manoeuvrability and modern walk to work gangway arrangement enabling safe and efficient personnel transfers in offshore environments. Once commissioned, this state-of-the-art walk-to-work vessel is set to transform service, maintenance, and operational tasks in the offshore wind sector. Purpose-built to meet the rigorous demands of offshore wind farms, the vessel will serve as a multifunctional platform, combining accommodation, logistics, and maintenance capabilities.
Vessel’s Key features include:
• Battery Hybrid Power management system
• DP2 Class Dynamic positioning system.
• Capacity for 54 personnel, including specialized technicians and crew, with high standards of Comfort onboard.
• Dedicated facilities for wind turbine maintenance, ensuring efficient and safe operations.
• Integrated warehouse and logistics centre, streamlining the supply chain and reducing downtime.
• Advanced walk-to-work systems, enabling safe and reliable personnel transfers to offshore installations.
The event marks a significant milestone in the long-term partnership between Cochin Shipyard Ltd. and North Star Shipping Ltd., reflecting a shared vision for innovation and excellence in offshore renewable vessels market.
Official Spokesperson
Cochin Shipyard Limited
