As the UK’s offshore wind sector grows, significant opportunities are emerging in the southern North Sea, with wind developers expected to issue service operation vessel (SOV) tenders starting in Q1 next year.
North Star, with its Lowestoft base, is well-positioned to meet this demand head on, leveraging its scalable business model, seafaring expertise and operational performance.
Since expanding into renewables less than three years ago, the vessel operator now has eight hybrid SOVs either delivered or in progress for wind farms in the UK North Sea and offshore Germany.
Among the imminent opportunities are requirements for RWE’s multiple Norfolk projects and ScottishPower Renewables’ East Anglia Hub expansion, for which North Star secured an SOV contract on the East Anglia THREE (EA3) offshore wind farm.
North Star COO Robert Catchpole said: “East Anglia is cementing its role as a major renewables hub, offering promising prospects for our business as we continue to expand across the southern North Sea in both the UK and Europe.
“With an expanded offshore wind base in Lowestoft scaled to suit SOVs in addition to CTVs, and RWE’s Great Yarmouth commitment, there’s great excitement. These new port investments will transform the local economy by creating jobs, boosting businesses and driving sustainable energy production.”
Its introduction of hybrid daughter craft, Midi-SOV and electric SOV designs – and floating offshore wind vessel solutions – keeps North Star at the forefront of innovation.
Robert added: “We’re proud to support the local supply chain, partnering with companies like Alicat Workboats to build our SOV daughter craft. Our nearby workshop facilities and highly trained support staff ensure our ships run smoothly 24/7.”
Many of the company’s crew transitioned from North Star’s conventional fleet, bringing decades of experience to the renewables sector. “Their deep knowledge of our safety practices and culture, combined with our digitally advanced maintenance technology embedded within our vessels, sets us apart,” said Robert.
Deepening its local roots further, North Star, ScottishPower Renewables and Siemens Gamesa have invited East Anglian residents to name the new EA3-bound SOV.
The winner will receive a scale model of the vessel during a special SOV tour.
Enter at northstarshipping.co.uk/news/vessel-naming-competition
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