Edda Wind has signed long term charter agreements for two of the four offshore wind vessels ordered from Spanish yards with MHI Vestas and Ocean Breeze Energy, respectively.

Edda Wind, the offshore wind segment of the Østensjø Group has signed a construction contract at Astilleros Gondan for two CSOVs, and a construction contract at Astilleros Balenciaga for two SOVs. Both yards are situated in northern Spain.

The vessels will be equipped with technology that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30 percent. The vessels will also be designed to mount zero emission hydrogen technology.

The charter agreement for the newbuild service operation vessel (SOV) with MHI Vestas will begin in the second quarter of 2022 and will have a firm period of 15 years, while the agreement with Ocean Breeze starts in the first quarter of 2021 with a firm period of 11 years.

The contract will be served for the first year by a front runner vessel until the delivery of the newbuild commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) in the first quarter of 2022.

The vessels will act as mother vessels for technicians for wind turbines as they carry out commissioning and maintenance work on offshore wind turbines.

The length of the CSOVs is 88.3 meters, and the SOVs 82.4 meters. Both units have high quality cabins and open areas where CSOVs can accommodate up to 120 people, and the SOVs can accommodate up to 60 people in total.

“It is fantastic for us to be able to secure long term charters for two of our four newbuilds. The trust experienced SOV users like MHI Vestas and Ocean Breeze have in Edda Wind, is a confirmation that the vessels we have developed are very attractive and will become optimal tools for our clients. With these two contracts, Edda Wind has become a major player in the offshore wind market.”

Kenneth Walland, CEO Østensjø Rederi.

“When MHI Vestas was assessing suppliers for our newest Service Operation Vessels, Edda Wind stood out for many reasons, one of which was their emphasis on decarbonising their next-generation fleet of supply vessels. We are pleased that their new technology will enable us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our service fleet.

“Further, the upside of potentially fueling the SOV with zero-emission hydrogen is very exciting and supports our objectives to decarbonize our operations.”

Flemming Ougaard, MHI Vestas COO.

“As operator of the BARD Offshore 1 wind farm, a pioneer project situated 100 kilometers away from the shore, Ocean Breeze Energy is constantly improving its logistics set-up in order best to address the challenges of far-offshore operations. Following an extensive market screening using the know-how we have accumulated over almost 10 years of operation, we are very pleased to reach a new milestone – entering a long-term partnership with Edda Wind for a best in class, environmentally sustainable vessel tailored to our needs.”

Jean Huby, Ocean Breeze Energy CEO.