Windward Offshore has officially taken delivery of its second Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV), Windward Paris. Built by VARD in Norway and delivered ahead of schedule at Vard Brattvaag, the vessel marks another major milestone in Windward Offshore’s fleet expansion and further strengthens the company’s operational capabilities in the offshore wind sector. Following delivery, Windward Paris will go straight into charter to support the construction of a new offshore wind farm in the German Bight, while Windward Athens is currently operating under an O&M contract.
As demand for safe and efficient offshore wind support services continues to grow, Windward Offshore is building a dedicated CSOV fleet designed to meet the industry’s requirements across installation, commissioning and long-term operations. Windward Paris is based on the proven VARD 4 19 design and purpose-built to support offshore wind installation, commissioning and O&M activities. With a length of 87.5 metres and a beam of 19.5 metres, the vessel provides accommodation for up to 120 people and combines high operational capability with a sustainability-focused technology setup.
Key features include a height-adjustable motion-compensated gangway with elevator system, a height-adjustable boat landing system, and a battery hybrid system prepared for future operation on green methanol. This configuration supports safe transfers and reliable offshore performance while also enabling a pathway towards lower-emission operations.
Caspar Blum, General Manager at Windward Offshore, said: “With Windward Paris joining the fleet, we are adding immediate capacity and flexibility for our offshore wind customers. The vessel is designed around safe personnel transfer, efficient offshore workflows and reduced environmental footprint. This delivery is another concrete step in building a modern service platform that can support projects reliably from commissioning through to long-term operations.”
To support efficient and smart operations at sea, Windward Paris is equipped with an integrated automation and bridge setup and includes advanced onboard systems for power, control and communications, supporting optimized operational planning and performance. The vessel also features an electric controlled motion compensated crane designed for offshore wind operations, enabling smooth and precise lifting performance even in challenging offshore conditions.
Windward Paris is the second of four CSOVs contracted by Windward Offshore, with Windward Munich and Windward Hamburg currently under construction. Once completed, the four-vessel series will form the backbone of Windward Offshore’s integrated service offering to the offshore wind sector and support customers throughout the offshore wind lifecycle with modern assets and reliable execution.
Pictures by Vard:
Christening ceremony of Windward Paris (from left to right): Dr. Benjamin Vordemfelde, Managing Director, Windward Offshore; Cathrine Kristiseter Marti, CEO, VARD; Emilie Sanchez, COO, Global Ship Finance, Crédit Agricole CIB; Wlodzimierz Jurczuk, Master, Windward Paris; Frode Klokk, Yard Director, VARD Brattvaag; Bastian Hagebeuker, Managing Director, Windward Offshore.
For further information please contact:
Bastian Hagebeuker
Managing Director
b.hagebeuker@windward-offshore.com
Caspar Blum
General Manager
c.blum@windward-offshore.com
About Windward Offshore
Windward Offshore was formed to establish an Integrated Offshore Wind Vessel & Service Company, building a robust portfolio of offshore wind service vessels, initially focusing on Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs). By providing integrated solutions, combining vessels with Engineering, Maintenance and Operation Services, Windward Offshore is poised to become a reliable partner for energy companies, supporting installation, commissioning as well as the operation and maintenance phase of offshore wind farms.
About VARD
VARD is a global leader in specialized ship design and shipbuilding, headquartered in Ålesund, Norway. With shipyards and offices in Norway, Romania, Brazil, and Vietnam, VARD delivers integrated solutions from concept and design to construction and lifecycle support. Majority-owned by Fincantieri, VARD serves the energy, seafood, expedition, security, and defense sectors, with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and trusted partnerships.