Norway’s VARD has secured a contract exceeding $200 million to deliver a highly customized hybrid power cable lay and construction vessel to Toyo Construction, a prominent Japanese construction company. Toyo Construction, engaged in civil and architectural construction both domestically and internationally, and possessing various working vessels, entered into this significant agreement with VARD.
VARD CEO Alberto Maestrini expressed delight at welcoming Toyo Constructions as a valued customer, emphasizing the selection of VARD as a testament to their market prowess and ability to meet evolving demands. “We are drawing on our long experience as integrated shipbuilders to make pioneering ideas sustainable investments and make maritime opportunities possible. We look forward to the collaboration with Toyo Constructions,” added Maestrini.
The vessel, based on the VARD 9 15 design, has been specifically tailored for the Japanese offshore wind market and global operations. Featuring an optimal hull design adaptable to Japan’s natural and construction conditions, it is suitable for both shallow and deep waters, facilitating floating offshore wind power generation and DC power transmission projects.
Measuring 150 meters in length, with a beam of 28 meters and a cable carrying capacity of 9,000 tons, the vessel is equipped for inter-array, HVAC export and interconnector cable lay, cable burial operation, and construction work. Apart from its primary role as a self-propelled cable-laying vessel, it boasts a high-performance crane and a spacious deck area, enabling versatile applications in ground-based foundation work, floating wind mooring, and marine resource-related projects. The vessel will also feature a four-point mooring system and a helideck.
Powered by five main gensets and two batteries, the vessel will achieve a maximum transit speed of 13 knots. It will accommodate 90 persons on board in 90 single cabins. Vard Electro will deliver SeaQ equipment and solutions, including SeaQ Power with energy storage systems, switchboards, and shore connection, along with network, entertainment, and communication systems. Vard Interiors will provide interior solutions and a green HVAC R system.
The hull will take shape at Vard Shipyards Romania in Tulcea and undergo outfitting before delivery from one of VARD’s shipyards in Norway in Q2 2026.
Toyo Construction’s President, Haruhisa Obayashi, expressed satisfaction with the order, foreseeing the vessel’s pivotal role in Japan’s offshore wind power generation facilities’ construction. This collaboration follows Toyo Construction’s earlier establishment of a joint venture with Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL) to enhance synergies in offshore wind-related areas, including survey planning, work vessel procurement, and offshore construction.
