Fincantieri’s VARD launches first of four offshore wind vessels for Windward Offshore

Tue 28 Apr 2026, 04:30 GMT | Updated: Tue 28 Apr 2026, 04:33 GMT | Evangelia Fragouli

Fincantieri’s VARD launches first of four offshore wind vessels for Windward Offshore

VARD 4 19 design vessel features battery hybrid propulsion and green methanol preparation.

VARD has launched the first of four commissioning service operation vessels for offshore wind operations at its Vietnam facility. Pictured: Windward Hamburg, a commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV). Image credit: Fincantieri

Fincantieri’s shipbuilding subsidiary VARD has launched NB 972, the first of four commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) ordered by Windward Offshore GmbH & Co. KG, at the Vard Vung Tau facility in Vietnam.

The vessel is based on VARD’s 4 19 design, which the company describes as a flexible platform tailored for offshore wind operations. The ship features battery-hybrid propulsion and is prepared for green methanol.

Fincantieri announced the launch on 27 April via LinkedIn, stating that the vessel forms part of its commitment to more sustainable offshore wind operations.

VARD, headquartered in Norway, is Fincantieri’s specialised shipbuilding subsidiary for offshore and other advanced vessel segments.

As previously reported, Fincantieri has already laid the keel for Viking Astrea, the second hydrogen-fuelled cruise ship in Viking’s series, highlighting the group’s wider involvement in lower-emission vessel projects.

Electric Launch Methanol Newbuild Germany Vietnam


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