As offshore wind farms move further from shore and increase in scale, demand for reliable seabed intervention solutions continues to grow. Subsea rock installation, pioneered by Van Oord since the 1970s, is vital for protecting and stabilizing offshore energy infrastructure. Building on more than 50 years of operational experience and the industry’s most extensive dedicated flexible fallpipe fleet, Van Oord continues to set the benchmark in seabed intervention.
“The need for secure and sustainable energy infrastructure has never been more important. With Vindnes and Vestnes, we are investing not only in additional capacity, but in a new generation of purpose-built subsea rock installation vessels designed around productivity, efficiency and sustainability. As offshore projects become larger and more complex, our customers increasingly require solutions that minimize project duration, reduce emissions and deliver the lowest total installation cost. These vessels reflect our confidence in the continued growth of offshore energy, and reinforce Van Oord’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of seabed intervention,” said Maurits den Broeder, Managing Director Offshore Energy at Van Oord.
The names Vindnes and Vestnes continue the naming tradition of Van Oord’s subsea rock installation fleet, complementing existing vessels such as Nordnes, Stornes, and Bravenes. Inspired by wind and the west, the names reflect both the fleet’s maritime character and the future of offshore energy. They symbolize the connection between Van Oord’s longstanding expertise in seabed intervention and its continued commitment to supporting the energy transition.
Unlike many recent market additions developed through vessel conversions, Vindnes and Vestnes have been designed from the keel up as dedicated subsea rock installation vessels. This purpose-built approach enables Van Oord to incorporate the latest lessons learned from decades of operations, resulting in enhanced safety, operational efficiency, installation performance, and future fuel flexibility.
With a loading capacity of 35,000 tonnes, Vindnes and Vestnes have been optimized to deliver maximum project productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Rather than focusing solely on vessel size, the design balances carrying capacity, installation rates, fuel efficiency, and offshore workability to reduce the total cost and emissions per tonne of rock installed. Advanced automation, smart sensors, and a DP2 positioning system enable highly accurate rock placement, while multi-fuel engines, battery storage, and an energy-efficient design contribute to lower-emission operations.
Vindnes and Vestnes are currently being constructed by Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore in China. The first vessel is expected to be delivered in 2028, followed by the second in 2029. Together, they will help Van Oord meet the offshore challenges of the future and further strengthen its position in subsea rock installation.
