Fincantieri Group subsidiary VARD has secured a contract worth more than 220 million EUR for the construction of two next-generation multi-function buoy and lighthouse maintenance vessels for UK maritime safety and welfare organisation Trinity House.
Awarded following a public tender, the contract marks the first time VARD has received an order for these types of vessels, with the new ships set to replace the ageing THV Patricia and THV Galatea as part of Trinity House’s wider fleet renewal programme.
Designed by Vard Marine in Canada in collaboration with Vard Design in Norway, both vessels will be based on the VARD 9 601 platform, and will be used to carry out a range of roles, including buoy tending, lighthouse maintenance, hydrographic surveying and emergency response to hazards to navigation.
Each vessel will be equipped with a hybrid propulsion system that seeks to allow for zero-emission operation whilst utilising battery power. This vessels will also be equipped with a battery energy storage system in an effort to reduce fuel consumption and emissions through peak shaving and support for the main generators.
Additionally, both vessels have been designed with the capability to convert to methanol fuel in the future, supporting long-term decarbonisation goals. Each vessel will feature a 30-tonne twin-hoist tension control crane, buoy handling and storage facilities, two workboats, a towing winch and a helideck, which aim to enable safe and efficient maintenance of critical navigation aids.
Integrated cybersecurity will incorporate secure system architecture, separation of operational and information technology systems, protected ship-to-shore communications and built-in security measures throughout the development process.
Both ships will offer high-standard accommodation compliant with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, enhanced bridge visibility, low-noise propulsion equipment and reduced vibration. Vard Interiors will deliver the turnkey accommodation package utilising energy-efficient HVAC-R technology, whilst Vard Electro will supply the SeaQ integrated electrical, power, bridge and communication systems.
Finally, both vessels will feature SeaQ Green Pilot, a cloud-based energy management platform that aims to monitor fuel consumption, emissions and operational performance in real time.
Vard Group CEO Cathrine Kristiseter Marti said:After a long and thorough process, we are thrilled to have been awarded the contract to renew Trinity House’s capabilities to maintain and modernise crucial marine infrastructure in UK waters. Their work is important and VARD is looking forward to continuing the collaboration through developing maritime competence across borders. This is crucial for all partners involved.
This contract truly emphasises the significant role VARD and our owner Fincantieri play for the future of the maritime industry. We thank Trinity House for the opportunity to be a part of this and welcome them as a customer to VARD.
Beyond vessel construction, the agreement also includes an apprenticeship exchange programme between VARD, Trinity House and Vard Marine Canada to strengthen maritime skills development, as well as a commitment to maximise UK content through the continued use of British suppliers during construction.
The vessels will be built through VARD’s global integrated production network, with delivery scheduled from one of the company’s Norwegian shipyards in the second and fourth quarters of 2029.
