Keel Laying Ceremony Held for LD Armateurs’ SOV Wind of Energy

LD Armateurs has reached a new milestone in the construction of Wind of Energy, with the keel laying ceremony taking place on 9 September at ZPMC shipyard in China.

Wind of Energy is the second of two Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) being built by LD Armateurs for Vattenfall as part of a long-term partnership supporting offshore wind operations in the North Sea. The vessel will join Wind of Ocean, which was launched at the end of August, and is scheduled to enter service before the end of 2027, supporting Vattenfall’s Nordlicht 1 and 2 offshore wind farms.

The keel laying marks the beginning of the vessel’s hull assembly. The first hull block was positioned in the dry dock on this occasion, with further blocks to be assembled progressively as construction moves forward.

The construction of Wind of Energy follows the same program as Wind of Ocean, with both vessels designed specifically for offshore wind operations and maintenance. Developed in collaboration with SALT, the SOVs combine operational performance, safety and crew comfort, while incorporating technologies designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Once completed, Wind of Energy will provide accommodation and safe, efficient transfer capabilities for technicians working on Vattenfall’s offshore wind farms. The vessel will operate on Nordlicht 1 and 2 in the North Sea, contributing to the long-term maintenance and operation of these wind farms.

With the keel now laid, construction of the second vessel is progressing, bringing LD Armateurs another step closer to delivering the two SOVs that will support Vattenfall’s offshore wind activities from 2027.