**North Star To Supply Second Service Vessel for He Dreiht Wind Farm in the North Sea**
In a significant development for the offshore wind sector, North Star has been awarded a contract by German power utility EnBW to provide a commissioning service operation vessel (SOV) for the He Dreiht wind farm project in the North Sea. This move underscores North Star’s growing presence in the European market, especially as it secures its first notable project outside of the UK.
**EnBW’s Strategic Move**
The He Dreiht wind farm is poised to become one of the largest energy transition projects in Europe, with the intention of supplying green power to approximately 1.1 million homes once operational. EnBW’s strategic partnership with North Star aims to ensure consistent operational efficiency and renewable electricity generation throughout the project’s lifespan. The He Dreiht project, featuring 64 wind turbines, is strategically located 90 kilometers northwest of the island of Borkum and 110 kilometers west of Helgoland.
**North Star’s Role**
North Star, a leading operator of offshore wind service operation vessels, will provide the Grampian Kestrel, a VARD 4 22-designed commissioning SOV, to support the construction and commissioning phases of the He Dreiht project in 2025. The vessel will serve as a crucial logistics hub and accommodation center for technicians, ensuring the smooth operation of the wind farm. Upon completion of the initial phases, the Grampian Kestrel will lead EnBW’s operations and maintenance activities until the new build SOV is delivered in summer 2026.
**Technological Advancements**
The Grampian Kestrel will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including height-adjustable motion-compensated gangways and 3D-compensated cranes, enhancing its operational efficiency and safety. This vessel reflects North Star’s commitment to leveraging innovative designs and technologies to mitigate sea state and wave height challenges. The SOV’s methanol-based propulsion system aligns perfectly with EnBW’s decarbonization strategies, supporting ongoing efforts to optimize offshore wind farm operations through the deployment of new technologies.
**North Star’s Ambitious Growth Strategy**
This contract marks a pivotal moment in North Star’s ambitious European growth strategy, aiming to add 40 new SOVs to its fleet by 2040. Since entering the renewables market in 2021, North Star has delivered seven newbuild SO