With the enormous amounts of money being poured into the offshore wind industry of late, particularly in Europe, it is unsurprising that we have seen some very interesting and impressive vessels resulting. This fine ship is definitely one of the most interesting and impressive of the breed. It is purposeful, elegant and realistically friendly to the environment.
"She is our first SOV, marking a new phase in the growth of the company," North Star SOV Operations Director Steve Myers told Baird Maritime. "It is the result of collaboration across the supply chain, capturing the fundamentals of her role supporting the O&M phase of offshore wind, but also enhancing safe and efficient operations through her design, innovations, and layout."
The vessel is named for the river it will work from for the next decade, the name having been chosen to indicate relations with local communities for which the company works.
"The ship was built through a global pandemic, yet it was still delivered on time. With each vessel delivery we have become more experienced and knowledgeable. Thankfully, we have a very strong relationship with our supply chain, overseen by solid project management," said Myers.
"Openness, honesty, and transparency through mutual trust helps in early detection and resolution of small issues that could otherwise escalate if kept hidden. As a result, the SOV was delivered ahead of schedule and was able to start work early for its initial project.
"A reduction in emissions and the drive towards green fuels is what motivates a lot of our conversations around ship design and contracting at present," added Myers. "The sector is in a particularly challenging period of technological development where we know it is possible to achieve zero emissions, but technology readiness and price points still play their part in making those next steps possible."
Myers remarked that the need to conduct safe and efficient operations remains at the company's core. With the SOV industry expanding, developing and maintaining a skilled workforce is critical, and there are several specific competences required on board. The current skill pool also requires to grow with the company.
"We're supporting this both internally, through investment in our people in our recruitment and training strategy, and externally, by engaging with industry and training schools to tailor guidance, frameworks, and training materials. we have a responsibility to not just work to regulation or best practice, but to constantly strive to build upon it, setting new standards and sharing experiences with our peers when it comes to DP and 'walk to work' operations."
The year 2023 was a favourable one for North Star, as indicated by the company delivering its first SOV to the market.
"We're seeing the predicted development of opportunities in offshore wind come to life now, and hopefully that continues its positive trend in the years to come," Myers told Baird Maritime. "Initially, as a new entrant to this market, we've always found it challenging to justify and convince that we are capable. Now, with the successful arrival of Grampian Tyne, her sister vessels and their [2022 Award-Winning] daughter craft, we were able to deliver early to our project partners."
Regarding the future of the offshore industry, Myers believes important trends will include fleet demand and growth alongside technological developments related to "green" propulsion and operational need in offshore wind.
"The marginal gains and lasting impressions made by safety and efficiency solutions, such as our side loading concept and stepless workflows for personnel and equipment, will soon be seen as the normal, and not 'nice to haves'. We believe that when the market is flush with newbuild vessels, those who can offer the aforementioned solutions will more adequately address the needs of clients."
North Star believes that over the next few years, the European maritime industry is set to undergo significant transformation driven by sustainability, technological advancements, and market demands.
"As well as the key trends mentioned above regarding energy-efficient ship designs aimed at reducing emissions, digitalisation and automation will also have a stronger part to play in enhancing operational efficiency."
The industry will also face a growing demand for advanced seafaring skills to navigate future challenges, but the UK faces a predicted shortage of skilled maritime professionals.
"It will therefore become essential to attract talent from abroad to fill immediate gaps, and at the same time, it is necessary to improve the appeal of maritime careers across the UK to attract new talent into the sector," Myers told Baird Maritime.