Latest news with #JamesBradford
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Cochin shipyard begins construction of second hybrid service vessel for UK firm
Kochi: Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) on Wednesday conducted steel-cutting ceremony for the second hybrid service operation vessel ( SOV ) for UK-based North Star Shipping (Aberdeen). The ceremony was officiated by North Star Shipping chief technology officer James Bradford, who initiated cutting of the first steel plate in the presence of director finance Jose VJ, shipbuilding executive director Harikrishnan S, along with other senior officials from CSL and representatives of ship classification society to a press note issued by CSL, the 86m hybrid-electric SOV is designed by VARD AS, Norway. "The DP2 class vessel will be powered by four diesel main generating sets from Yanmar and high-capacity Li-ion batteries in combination. Once commissioned, the vessel is expected to revolutionize service, maintenance and operating tasks because it is designed especially to satisfy the demanding requirements of offshore wind sector . This cutting-edge walk-to-work vessel will accommodate 80 persons, including specialists and crew, in charge of wind turbine maintenance and operate as a warehouse and logistics centre," it says.
The Hindu
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Steel cutting held for second SOV for North Star Shipping
The steel cutting ceremony for the second hybrid service operation vessel (SOV) for North Star Shipping (Aberdeen) Limited, UK, was held at the Cochin Shipyard. James Bradford, chief technology officer of North Star Shipping, Jose V.J., and Harikrishnan S. of the Cochin Shipyard were among those who attended. The 86-metre hybrid-electric SOV is designed by VARD AS, Norway. The VARD 4 19 SOV is the second of the two SOVs being constructed by the Cochin Shipyard for North Star. 'The vessel will be powered by four diesel main generating sets from Yanmar and high-capacity Lithium-ion batteries in combination,' said a press release from the shipyard here.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
North Star delivers first 'future-ready vessel' at naming ceremony
An offshore support specialist has officially named its first commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV). North Star named the Grampian Kestrel at a ceremony at the Vard Langsten shipyard in Tomrefjord, Norway, on Tuesday, May 6. The Grampian Kestrel is the first of two CSOVs to be delivered by North Star this year, as part of the firm's drive to support its growing portfolio of offshore wind clients. READ MORE: Construction begins on North Star SOV for European wind farm The new vessel, of VARD 4 22 design, will go on service with EnBW and precede the decade-long minimum charter contract the firm signed in 2024 to provide a service operation vessel (SOV) for the German energy utility firm's He Dreiht wind farm in the North Sea. 'The Grampian Kestrel marks yet another milestone in our strategy towards making North Star a leading SOV provider in Europe,' said Gitte Gard Talmo, CEO at North Star, which has offices in Lowestoft, Aberdeen, Newcastle and Hamburg. 'The vessel is built to service all aspects of an offshore windfarms' lifecycle and has a competent North Star crew to ensure we deliver our services to the highest standard. 'We are proud to christen this future-ready vessel, which sets a new industry benchmark by becoming the world's first to achieve Lloyd's Register's Cyber Resilience classification. 'This certification underscores our commitment to being a safe and reliable partner – for our employees, our clients and the broader offshore wind industry.' The Grampian Kestrel also offers essential accommodation and logistics to support construction and commissioning works. Following this, it will lead EnBW's operations and maintenance activities until the newbuild SOV is delivered in Q3 2026. READ MORE: How this 138-year-old firm is tackling a shortage of seafarers The VARD 4 22 design has been developed in close collaboration with Vard Design in Ålesund, Norway, with new methanol-ready hybrid-propulsion solutions and an increased number of single cabins, providing hotel-quality accommodation for the technicians working in field. It also includes a high-performance daughter craft with space for a second to suit the client's operational needs. James Bradford, chief technology officer at North Star, said: 'As part of its digital capabilities, North Star has made a substantial investment in the advanced automation and innovative solutions utilised across its renewables fleet, essential for monitoring performance and ensuring safe vessel operations. 'This included technologies such as digital twins, dynamic positioning software and the complex control systems connected to the Voith Schneider propulsion units – all designed to support operational safety and enhance crew wellbeing.' Ms Gard Talmo added: 'This vessel and her world-first accreditation were achieved in co-operation with VARD ship design. At North Star, we know that industry collaboration is the key to success – and we truly look forward to delivering our services to our client, EnBW.' READ MORE: Wind farm support vessel officially named in Lowestoft The Grampian Kestrel's naming ceremony was attended by representatives from North Star, VARD, EnBW and other key stakeholders. During the event, the godmother for the vessel was announced as Indu Vaidya, a board member at North Star and member of management at Partners Group, a private equity firm and North Star investor. Ms Vaidya played a key role in the naming ceremony, which also featured a local blessing. Godmother Indu Vaidya christening the Grampian Kestrel (Image: North Star) VARD CEO, Cathrine K. Marti added: 'On behalf of everyone at VARD, I would like to congratulate North Star on their new cutting-edge vessel. Grampian Kestrel is a purpose-built CSOV, designed by North Star to meet North Star's specific strategy and the demands of the offshore wind market. 'She is built for efficiency, comfort, and flexibility – and she is future-ready from day one. 'With key contributions from Vard Electro and Vard Interiors, this vessel reflects the strength of our integrated approach and our long-standing partnership with North Star. Congratulations once again. "We wish Grampian Kestrel and her crew fair winds and following seas.'
