North Star recently secured agreements to support RWE’s growing offshore wind farm portfolio with four hybrid-powered commissioning/service operation vessels (C/SOVs).
The deal comprises two firm long-term charter agreements and two reservation agreements for new-build vessels, together representing the first and largest commitment in the sector to date.
RWE is one of the world’s leading companies in offshore wind. The company operates 19 offshore wind farms (RWE’s share amounts to 3.3 GW) and has four offshore wind projects under construction in the U.K., Denmark, Germany, and The Netherlands (RWE’s share amounts to 3.1 GW).
This major four-vessel agreement for North Star is also set to secure employment for up to 200 personnel working across the fleet, including up to 100 new roles onshore and offshore over the next decade. The company’s continued investment in its people, fleet, and systems will provide new opportunities for its existing talent and the next generation of offshore wind employees.
“This landmark deal is the beginning of a strategic partnership between two industry leaders, built on early engagement, mutual trust, and shared ambitions,” said Gard Talmo, North Star CEO. “We are proud to secure agreements for four state-of-the-art vessels and grateful for the trust put in us by RWE. Our focus is delivering world class operational performance, utilizing all of North Star’s expertise and capabilities in SOV services. With these agreements, we’re putting our scale and track record where it matters the most. This is all made possible thanks to the unwavering dedication, ambition, and drive of our entire team, delivering day-in, day-out, powering our continued growth.”
The new partnership includes the charter of two next-generation hybrid commissioning SOVs to support RWE’s North Sea operations and maintenance schedule. The Grampian Eagle and the Grampian Kestrel were delivered into operations this year, both vessels are futureproofed and ready for alternative low-emission fuels.
The Grampian Eagle will support operations at the Triton Knoll wind farm off the British coast for a minimum of 12 years.
The Grampian Kestrel will be servicing RWE’s German wind farms north of Heligoland for a minimum of 10 years.
For Germany, the charter contract starts this winter and for the UK in summer 2026. Both contracts include options for further extensions in charter’s favor of up to three years.
North Star is headquartered in Aberdeen. Its workforce is made up of about 1,400 offshore and onshore personnel and carries out all its ship maintenance in-house.
More info www.north-star.co.uk
