Taiwan-bound subsea construction vessel on its way to Norway for final outfitting

An offshore subsea construction vessel (OSCV) that Norwegian shipbuilder VARD is constructing for Taiwan-based Dong Fang Offshore (DFO) has recently been launched in Romania. The vessel, designated as VARD 3 39, is on its journey to Norway where it will undergo final outfitting and commissioning before delivery in the second quarter of 2027.

Vessel Specifications and Design

The 121.3-meter-long vessel will be a highly versatile platform designed to support a range of subsea operations, including subsea construction, offshore wind operations, and cable installation and repair. It features a 250-tonne active heave-compensated offshore crane, two deck/boat landing cranes, and a 1,200-square-meter work deck equipped for cable repair or cable lay spread. The vessel also includes remotely operated vehicle (ROV) hangars and is prepared for the installation of a motion-compensated gangway, an under-deck carousel, a large trencher, and a helideck. The vessel can accommodate up to 130 people.

According to VARD, the launch of the vessel's hull, marked as NB 988, was celebrated on 21 August at its shipyard in Brăila, Romania. The keel-laying ceremony for the vessel took place in November 2025. Brunvoll will provide the vessel with an extensive propulsion and manoeuvring system, ensuring it is equipped to handle the diverse tasks required in subsea construction and maintenance.

Construction and Delivery Timeline

The VARD shipyard in Romania completed the hull construction, and the vessel is now traveling to Vard Søviknes in Norway, where final outfitting and delivery will take place. The delivery is scheduled for the early second quarter of 2027. VARD emphasized the significance of this milestone, noting that it brings together colleagues from both Romanian and Norwegian shipyards, reinforcing the strength of the VARD integrated value chain.

Background and Context

This vessel is the third one VARD is building for DFO, following the commissioning service operation vessels that were contracted in May 2024. The new OSCV is part of a broader trend in the maritime industry, where specialized vessels are being built to support increasing demand for offshore wind operations, subsea cable installations, and other related activities. The vessel’s construction is also indicative of the growing collaboration between shipyards in Europe and operators in Taiwan.

The launch of the vessel follows the laying of the keel for Korea’s only specialized HVDC installation vessel at Tersan Shipyard in Türkiye, signaling ongoing investments in subsea infrastructure and technology. The vessel for DFO is expected to play a significant role in the subsea construction market, providing a versatile platform for a range of operations.

What this means for operators

The delivery of this subsea construction vessel will enhance Dong Fang Offshore’s capabilities in handling complex subsea operations and offshore wind maintenance activities. The vessel’s advanced features, including the 250-tonne crane and the 1,200-square-meter work deck, will enable it to perform a wide range of tasks more efficiently. This, in turn, can lead to reduced operational costs and increased productivity for the company. For operators in the region, such as those involved in offshore wind projects, the vessel’s capabilities will offer a robust solution for cable installation and repair, enhancing the overall efficiency of subsea operations.