SMST, a leading provider of advanced marine and offshore mission equipment, has won a new contract from Norwegian shipbuilder VARD to provide two sets of mission equipment for installation on two additional North Star newbuild Service Operation Vessels (SOVs).
These vessels are part of a long-term charter agreement between North Star, the shipowner and operator, and energy company RWE. SMST previously supplied similar mission equipment for the first two CSOVs, Grampian Eagle and Grampian Kestrel, which are also slated to operate for RWE.
With this latest delivery, the total number of North Star vessels outfitted with SMST equipment rises to six. For these new hybrid-powered SOVs, safe and efficient transfer of technicians working offshore is ensured through the integration of SMST’s Telescopic Access Bridge (TAB) L2, a motion compensated gangway equipped with advanced automation packages. Additionally, the inclusion of a 5t Motion Compensated Crane will enable streamlined and reliable cargo handling operations.
“We are proud to contribute to such a significant collaboration between two leading industry players,” says Jochem Tuinstra, Sales Manager at SMST. “Above all, we value the continued partnership with North Star and VARD’s ongoing trust in SMST, now reflected in the selection of our equipment for a fifth and sixth vessel.”
James Bradford, Chief Technology Officer at North Star comments: “Delivering world-class operational performance remains our top priority, and we consider SMST a valuable technology partner in achieving this goal, thanks to their innovative and reliable offshore equipment. We are therefore pleased to extend our partnership for the next two hybrid-powered Service Operation Vessels.”
