Brunvoll has signed an agreement with VARD to supply propulsion and manoeuvring systems for two Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs), owned by North Star.
Each vessel will feature an array of thrusters and control systems from Brunvoll, aimed at enhancing efficiency and functionality.
Thruster system details
The comprehensive setup for both CSOVs includes two azimuth propulsion thrusters, a retractable azimuth thruster, a tunnel thruster, and a hybrid retractable azimuth/tunnel thruster.
These elements are integrated with Brunvoll's BruCon PTC, a propulsion and thruster control system, designed to deliver high-performance vessels.
Energy-efficiency innovations
North Star’s Chief Technology Officer, James Bradford, highlighted the benefits of this collaboration, noting, "Choosing Brunvoll’s complete propulsion and manoeuvring package for our new CSOVs ensures we deliver ships that are reliable, efficient, and future-ready. This partnership supports our commitment to safe and sustainable operations, providing the flexibility and performance needed to help our clients deliver offshore wind projects successfully."
The azimuth propulsion thrusters come equipped with Brunvoll's innovative DL1-nozzle, known as the "Dragless." Unlike traditional nozzles, the DL1 maintains efficient hydrodynamic performance over a wider range of operating conditions.
Partnership and technical specifications
The CSOVs are designed based on VARD’s 4 19 blueprint, featuring a length of 87.5 metres, a beam of 19.5 metres
Bernt Rune Riksfjord, VP Sales at Brunvoll, expressed the importance of their collaboration with North Star, saying, “We have a long-standing relationship with North Star and we are deeply grateful for the continued trust they have shown in us. On the technical side, it is especially rewarding to see the offshore wind industry embracing our combined retractable azimuth and tunnel thruster, a solution we strongly believe in for making vessels more efficient and versatile.”
The CSOVs are designed based on VARD’s 4 19 blueprint, featuring a length of 87.5 metres, a beam of 19.5 metres, and an accommodation capacity for 120 persons, including all necessary equipment for a CSOV.
Long-term agreements and future deployments
North Star has secured a long-term charter agreement with RWE, a key player in the global offshore wind sector, for both vessels.
Scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029, the vessels will complement RWE's extensive operations, which include 19 wind farms worldwide.
