Louis Dreyfus Armateurs

Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA) has selected Salt Ship Design (SALT) as the naval architect and ZPMC as the shipbuilder for the three new service operation vessels (SOVs) for which LDA recently signed contracts with Vattenfall.

As reported in January, Vattenfall awarded long-term contracts to Louis Dreyfus Armateurs under which the vessel operator will build, own and operate up to the three SOVs for Vattenfall’s offshore wind farms.

The first SOV will enter service in mid-2027 on the DanTysk and Sandbank offshore wind farms in Germany and the second vessel will commence operations before the end of 2027, servicing the Nordlicht 1 and Nordlicht 2 wind farms, also in Germany. The third, optional SOV is intended for Vattenfall’s future projects in the North Sea.

LDA says that having previously collaborated with SALT on the design of the Wind of Change and Wind of Hope SOVs, the company has leveraged more than five years of operational experience to conduct a complete redesign.

The redesigned SOV will have greater operational efficiency and uptime, and optimised energy consumption, with the safety and efficiency for technicians on board also improved, according to LDA.

“The Wind of Change was the first hybrid-electric SOV of its time, setting a market standard that has since become the norm. The new vessels represent the next generation. Enhanced maneuverability is achieved thanks to four azimuth thrusters, together with superior dynamic positioning (DP) performance. The vessels will also feature an advanced gangway system and a 3D motion-compensated crane. Additionally, special attention has been given to technicians and crew comfort, transforming the SOVs into high-standard floating hotels”, Louis Dreyfus Armateurs said in a press release on 19 February.

The new vessels, which will be built by ZPMC in China, will integrate high-end European components, including the gangway system, the DP system and key propulsion line systems, according to LDA.

“With the expertise of SALT in naval architecture and the proven industrial capabilities of ZPMC, we are confident that these new SOVs will set a new benchmark in offshore wind operations”, stated Kamil Beffa, CEO of LDA. “Our commitment to operational excellence and comfort on board remains at the forefront of this project, and we look forward to delivering vessels that will serve as references in the offshore wind industry.”