08/25/2017

MHI Vestas and ESVAGT strengthen their relationship with a new long-term SOV Contract

A new ESVAGT Service Operation Vessel will support MHI Vestas Offshore Wind in its Deutsche Bucht Wind Farm project. The 15-year contract demonstrates a strong and collaborative relationship.

ESVAGT Service Operation Vessel to support MHI Vestas Offshore Wind in the Deutsche Bucht Wind Farm project. (Image: ESVAGT)

MHI Vestas and ESVAGT are building on their existing relationship in the growing offshore wind market, with ESVAGT due to deliver another Service Operation Vessel (SOV) for MHI Vestas in August 2019. The SOV will operate in support of the Deutsche Bucht (DeBu) offshore wind farm project.

The new 15-year contract is not only the longest in ESVAGT’s history, but it is also the largest in terms of value.

“This contract builds on the strong relationship we have had with MHI Vestas since 2010. We are very pleased with the trust MHI Vestas is showing in us by signing a deal of this magnitude”, says Chief Executive Officer Søren Nørgaard Thomsen, ESVAGT A/S.

MHI Vestas and ESVAGT have collaborated on the Belwind 1 and Nobelwind 1 offshore wind farm projects in Belgium since 2010, where a newly built SOV will commence its 10-year charter period as a replacement for the ‘Esvagt Supporter’ this autumn.

The SOV for the DeBu project reinforces ESVAGT’s position as the market leader with the SOV-concept, efficiently servicing far-from-shore wind farms.

The SOV will be equipped with a walk-to-work gangway system in a bespoke tower with a crane placed on top of the tower, which, together with ESVAGT’s unique Safe Transfer Boats STB 7 and STB 12, will contribute to the safe transfer of turbine technicians, tools and spare parts.

“The ship is optimised and tailored in accordance with the client’s wishes and needs”, says Kristian Ole Jakobsen, Chief Operating Officer, ESVAGT A/S:

“MHI Vestas has prioritised a fuel-efficient ship and we are proud to be able to deliver a vessel of this size with remarkably low energy consumption. Simultaneously, the STB 12, which is able to call port independently, will positively contribute to a decrease in the overall fuel consumption of operating the wind farm,” he says.