A first-of-its-kind energy construction vessel (ECV) that can support offshore wind farms, subsea infrastructure, and underwater maintenance operations has recently been launched in Vietnam. The vessel was designed by Ålesund-based shipbuilding company VARD for Wind Energy Construction AS, a Norwegian maritime firm, which carries out services for offshore construction. The company is partially owned by green energy supplier Norwind Offshore.According to VARD representatives, the vessel, identified as NB985, was launched on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Vard Vung Tau shipyard in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Its debut came just over a year after construction began, on October 6, 2025, following an order placed in 2024.At the time, Svein Leon Aure, Norwind Offshore CEO, announced the companies had designed an entirely new vessel category. “We are pleased to have, together with VARD, developed a new vessel category which will enable the development of renewable energy to an even greater extent,” Aure explained. Built for demanding tasksMeasuring 366 feet (111.5 meters) in length, the vessel features a 150-ton subsea crane, an advanced gangway system, and accommodation for up to 120 people. It features VARD’s 3 11 design. The company developed it specifically for offshore wind and subsea projects. It is equipped with tools for underwater construction, infrastructure installation, as well as maintenance operations. It also has a 150-ton heave-compensated subsea crane, which can reduce the effects of vessel movement during lifting operations. VARD’s energy construction vessel, built for offshore wind and subsea operations.Credit: VARDThe ship will also feature a three-dimensional (3D), electrically controlled, motion-compensated walk-to-work (W2W) gangway. The system keeps workers steady as they move between the ship and offshore structures. According to the firm, the ship will accommodate up to 120 people and provide space for crew members and experts involved in offshore projects. “The concept builds on vessels within the construction market which we have previously built with VARD, and we feel confident that this will play an important role in the development of, among other things, offshore wind in the coming years,” Aure explained. Delivery on the horizonThe October 27 launch came about a year after the first steel was cut. The project began following a 2024 order from Norwind Offshore. VARD is responsible for the complete project through its integrated shipbuilding operations. This includes the vessel’s design, hull construction, outfitting, and commissioning.Torgeir Haugan, VARD’s Senior VP of Sales and Marketing, highlighted the effort’s impact. “We are delighted that the people behind Norwind Offshore and Wind Energy Construction AS chose VARD when broadening their fleet of vessels, this time with their advanced Energy Construction Vessel targeting both the promising oil and and gas subsea market as well as strengthening the foothold in the renewable offshore wind market,” Haugan said in a press release.The ship can support inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) operations with subsea pipelines. Credit: Norwind OffshoreHowever, although the ship has entered the water, further work remains before it can begin commercial operations. The next stages include completing the vessel’s equipment installation, outfitting, and commissioning ahead of delivery.Haugan added that the project reinforces VARD’s position as a leader in offshore technology and shipbuilding. “Together with the customer we push boundaries and continue to develop our vessels to the best of our customers wanting to be a part of the green transition,” he concluded.Its delivery is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027.