VARD's Hybrid Ocean Energy Construction Vessel Island Explorer Arrives in Norway for Final Outfitting
Norwegian shipbuilder VARD, a subsidiary of Fincantieri Group, has reached another important milestone in the construction of advanced offshore engineering vessels. The hybrid-powered ocean energy construction vessel (OECV) Island Explorer, being built for Norwegian offshore services company Island Offshore, arrived at Vard Langsten in Norway on October 18, 2026, for final outfitting and commissioning.
The vessel, designated NB 978, was constructed at Vard Shipyards Romania in Tulcea before being transferred to Norway. Its arrival marks the beginning of the final construction phase, with delivery scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. Island Explorer is the second in a series of next-generation hybrid ocean energy construction vessels ordered by Island Offshore and represents the 41st vessel built by VARD for the Norwegian shipowner.
Advanced Design for Complex Offshore Operations
Island Explorer is based on the VARD 3 25 design, developed through close cooperation between VARD and Island Offshore. Measuring 120 metres in length, the vessel is designed to provide high operational flexibility, excellent manoeuvrability, and reliable station-keeping performance in challenging offshore environments.
The vessel is equipped with a 250-tonne heave-compensated subsea crane, a DP2 dynamic positioning system, and accommodation for up to 120 personnel. These capabilities enable it to support a wide range of demanding offshore operations, including subsea inspection, maintenance and repair, pipeline installation, underwater infrastructure construction, diving support, and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) activities.
The heave-compensated crane is particularly important for subsea lifting operations, as it helps compensate for vessel motion caused by waves and enables more controlled handling of heavy equipment during offshore installation and maintenance activities.
Hybrid Power and Environmental Performance
The vessel incorporates a hybrid power configuration and an energy-efficient hull design intended to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
The VARD 3 25 platform has also been developed with flexibility for alternative low-emission fuels, reflecting the increasing demand for more sustainable offshore construction and energy service vessels.
Its combination of advanced dynamic positioning, flexible subsea equipment arrangements, and energy-efficient technologies is designed to support reliable operations across the offshore energy sector.
Strengthening International Offshore Engineering Capabilities
Island Explorer follows its sister vessel, Island Evolution (NB 977), which arrived at Vard Langsten in July 2026 for final outfitting and completion. Both vessels are being developed as versatile offshore construction platforms capable of supporting increasingly complex subsea engineering projects.
The construction programme also demonstrates VARD's integrated international shipbuilding capabilities, combining hull construction in Romania with advanced outfitting, system integration, and commissioning in Norway.
As offshore energy developments extend into deeper waters and increasingly challenging operating environments, multipurpose construction vessels equipped with hybrid power systems, high-capacity subsea cranes, and advanced dynamic positioning technologies are becoming essential to safe and efficient marine operations.
The progress of Island Explorer highlights continuing innovation in naval architecture and marine engineering, particularly in the design and integration of specialized offshore vessels for subsea construction, maintenance, and future energy infrastructure development.
Original Author: Nadja Skopljak
Original Source: Offshore Energy