SMST has been awarded a contract by Norwegian shipbuilder VARD for the supply of two sets of mission equipment for North Star’s newbuild Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs). The agreement also has an option for equipping two additional ships with the offshore systems of SMST, that guarantee safe transfer for technicians working in the field and ensure efficient handling of cargo on board.

SMST is delivering a gangway (Telescopic Access Bridge L-Series) combined with tower and elevator, and Motion Compensated Crane (M-Series) to each CSOV for the UK firm, which operates the largest UK-owned SOV fleet in the North Sea. The SMST equipment underlines the Vard 4 22 design that has been optimized for low fuel consumption, maximum uptime, and good seakeeping characteristics to ensure comfortable conditions on board. “These design principles are incorporated in the high quality equipment that we design and build, everything in-house”, says Jochem Tuinstra, Sales Manager at SMST, “The gangways will also have a Lloyds Register Notation, proving SMST’s focus on constantly increasing quality standards.” 

North Star’s new CSOVs takes the firm another step closer in its ambition of adding 40 SOVs to its fleet by 2040 to support the growing UK and European offshore wind sectors. “North Star is committed to building a versatile and industry leading service capability that meets the needs of our renewables clients. Collaborating with innovative and reliable technology partners that offer high-quality solutions and can deliver within the set term is therefore key to our success,” states James Bradford, North Star’s Chief Technology Officer. “SMST, with its extensive track record of supplying walk-to-work and lifting equipment, meets all these objectives ensuring our tonnage and operations remain worldclass.”   

Thomas Brathaug, Project Manager in VARD comments: “We are pleased to be working with SMST again, especially since SMST is a trusted company delivering reliable solutions. With the great cooperation we have had on previous projects, we are confident that we together will deliver a top-notch product.”

KeyFacts Renewable Energy Directory: North Star