LD Armateurs celebrates steel cutting ceremony for first of two SOVs for Vattenfall

LD Armateurs is proud to announce that the steel cutting ceremony for the first of two Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) ordered by Vattenfall took place on November the 27th. This milestone marks the official start of construction at ZPMC (Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company Limited), a shipyard globally recognized for its expertise in bespoke designs and steadily expanding into the offshore vessel sector. 

A Key Step in a Strategic Project 

The ceremony represents a significant moment in a project that started more than two years ago, following a complex and competitive European tender process that took place throughout 2024. Senior management from both LDA and ZPMC, together with Bureau Veritas, attended the ceremony, to celebrate this important milestone and the cooperation between the teams.

Innovative Design for Efficiency and Sustainability 

These SOVs have been specifically designed to minimize fuel consumption and emissions during both operations and transit, while ensuring reliability in the harsh conditions of the North Sea throughout the year. To achieve these goals, LD Armateurs worked in close collaboration with SALT, a long-standing partner and a recognized leader in offshore vessel design. 

The vessels will feature an advanced gangway system and a 3D motion-compensated crane, enabling safe and efficient offshore operations. Exceptional maneuverability will be provided by four azimuth thrusters combined with superior dynamic positioning (DP) capabilities. Special attention has been given to safety and workflow optimization, ensuring technicians benefit from the best possible working conditions. Furthermore, the SOVs will offer spacious and comfortable living quarters, transforming them into high-standard floating hotels for rest periods. 

Setting New Standards for Offshore Wind Operations 

“Our priority has always been to combine operational excellence with the well-being of those on board. These SOVs will not only deliver top performance in challenging conditions but also provide a safe and comfortable environment for technicians working at sea.” said Gaël Cailleaux, Renewables Managing Director at LDA. 

“This marks the beginning of a promising long-term collaboration with ZMPC. We look forward to seeing the vessel’s assembly starting and continuing our close work with the yard to successfully address the challenges of this project,” said Arthur Barret, Head of Engineering, Projects & Innovation at LDA.