EQUINOR & NORTH STAR'S COLLABORATIVE PROCESS RESULTS IN INNOVATIVE GREEN FLEET OF THE FUTURE
Once operational, Dogger Bank Wind Farm will be the world’s largest offshore wind farm, capable of powering five million UK homes, The wind farm will be operated by Equinor on behalf of partners SSE Renewables and Eni Plenitude.
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By signing a contract to design, build and manage four new service operation vehicles (SOVs) for Dogger Bank, North Star Shipping’s journey from 19th century fishing company to energy transition pioneer has taken its latest significant step.
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The vessels will be used throughout the Operations and Maintenance period of Dogger Bank Windfarm, post construction, to provide comfortable offshore accommodation and safe walk-to-work transfers for the many specialist technicians that will ensure the windfarm performance.
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The vessels are on a 10-year charter, with an option for three one-year extensions in what is a commitment that supports the UK supply chain with the creation of 170 local jobs.
The contract, which represents North Star’s first success in the renewables sector, was awarded following an extensive competitive tender process, contested by international competition from some of the most established names in offshore vessel support.
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The £360 million contract award was the result of North Star’s experience of marine operations in the North Sea and resulting understanding of Equinor’s needs in terms of performance, sustainability and operability.
Prior to the formal tender process, North Star engaged frequently with Equinor and their project partners to gain a deep understanding of the important values and priority requirements. This insight combined with considerable market research and discussions with the close relationship with the Vard Design team ensured North Star enhanced the vessel’s offering. The initial terms were for three vessels to support the first two phases of the Dogger Bank project (A & B), with a further vessel secured to support Dogger Bank C based on the successful early collaborative efforts from both sides.
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Working closely with the wind farm’s marine, logistics and operations teams, North Star has since continued to build on that relationship in the following 18 months by ensuring that the project has remained on track and that further efficiencies have been identified, discussed and implemented to bring the SOV to an even higher standard, and endorsing the collaborative nature of this long-term commitment.
The 10-year fixed term means a strong relationship is pivotal to ensure that the SOVs remain at the forefront of industry standard. The first vessel will be delivered in early 2023. This new entry into the renewables market leaves North Star finely poised to progress and secure further contracts as the offshore wind market matures in UK waters.
As the energy transition progresses, there will be a growing requirement for SOVs to support technicians working on offshore wind turbines and North Star is well placed to stay on top of the technological advancements that will transpire in the years to come.
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Following delivery of the vessels, North Star will continue to work closely with Equinor, reviewing vessel performance and establishing wider KPIs including health and safety standards for crew onboard.
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Matthew Gordon, North Star CEO, said:
“My overarching aim is to accelerate the company’s strategic growth ambitions and secure its place as the market-leader in marine offshore wind infrastructure support in the UK and further afield. Winning the Dogger Bank was an incredible achievement for the whole business and has catapulted us into the next stage of our growth trajectory. We have developed a solid working relationship with Equinor, built on a collaborative and trusted foundation that has established North Star as a key project partner. It’s as much about people and competence, as it is about delivering and overseeing a sustainable green fleet that is built with performance longevity.”
COLLABORATING FOR GROWTH PLAYBOOK
Continuous and open communications have been a driving force behind the project, with monthly meetings taking place between North Star and Equinor to share updates on build and readiness, as well as opportunities to develop detailed enhancements, about specific topics and milestones including cargo layouts, personnel movements, and general build logistics.
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