Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA) is proud to announce that it has been awarded major long-term contracts by the Swedish Group Vattenfall to build, own, and operate up to three Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) following a complex and competitive European tender process that took place throughout 2024 and has been concluded late December. The terms include two firm SOVs and one optional SOV, which will be deployed to support offshore wind farm operations and maintenance in the North Sea.
A ceremony for the official signature was held in Denmark on Wednesday, January 8th. The first SOV will enter service in mid-2027 on the DanTysk and Sandbank offshore wind farms, each with a 288 MW capacity. The second SOV will commence operations before the end of 2027, servicing the Nordlicht 1 and 2 wind farms, with a capacity of 980 MW and 630 MW, respectively. The third, optional SOV is intended for future projects in the North Sea.
The vessels will be registered under the French flag and have been specifically designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions during both operations and transit while meeting the harsh conditions of the North Sea all year long. Special care has been taken to enhance the safety and efficiency of the workflows, ensuring technicians have optimal working conditions. Additionally, the vessels feature very spacious and comfortable living quarters for rest periods.
“We are proud to establish this new partnership with Vattenfall, recognizing our expertise in designing and operating purpose-built SOVs,” stated Edouard Louis-Dreyfus, President of Louis Dreyfus Armateurs. “This reinforces our ambitions in the global offshore wind industry, and our commitment to decarbonation.”
This contract strengthens Louis Dreyfus Armateurs’s position as a key player in the offshore wind sector, demonstrating the company’s continued growth in the SOV market alongside its established presence in the Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) market.
Key features of the LDA Service Operation Vessels:
- Double-ended hull form with two propellers at both ends, ensuring precise dynamic positioning (DP) manoeuvring capabilities and increased flexibility during offshore operations
- Fast-responding azimuth thrusters and an adjustable-height stern boat landing to optimize technician safe transfers between turbines
- A walk-to-work gangway located close to the vessel centerline for safe, and efficient personnel transfers on both sides of the ship
- A 3D crane to perform cargo transfers
- Client offices and meeting rooms with large windows, providing clear views of transfer operations
- Hotel-standard accommodations, segregated from working areas, with a focus on rest and relaxation during standby periods
Technical specifications of the LDA Service Operation Vessels:
- Length: 90 m
- Breadth: 19,60m
- 96 POB
