Norway-based shipbuilder Vard has contracted SMST for the supply of mission equipment for two service operation vessels (SOVs) being built for shipowner-operator North Star.

The two vessels form part of an existing charter arrangement between North Star and the energy company RWE.

SMST has previously supplied similar packages for the first two commissioning SOVs, the Grampian Eagle and Grampian Kestrel, which will also work for RWE.

With this latest order, SMST mission systems will be installed on a total of six North Star vessels.

SMST sales manager Jochem Tuinstra said: "We are proud to contribute to such a significant collaboration between two leading industry players.

"Above all, we value the continued partnership with North Star and Vard’s ongoing trust in SMST, now reflected in the selection of our equipment for a fifth and sixth vessel."

The SMST equipment package includes Telescopic Access Bridge (TAB) L2, which is a passively motion compensated gangway system.

Fitted with automation packages, TAB L2 is designed to facilitate the transfer of technicians during offshore operations.

The TAB is available in different lengths ranging from 4m to 58m and can be configured for varying operational requirements, stated SMST.

The bridges can be purchased or leased, with options for either passive or active motion compensation.

According to SMST, each SOV will also be supplied with a 5t motion compensated crane for cargo handling, which is designed to maintain operational capacity when the vessel is subject to movement.

SMST sales manager Jochem Tuinstra said: "We are proud to contribute to such a significant collaboration between two leading industry players.

"Above all, we value the continued partnership with North Star and VARD’s ongoing trust in SMST, now reflected in the selection of our equipment for a fifth and sixth vessel."

In June 2025, Vard delivered two vessels it describes as the "world’s first" to feature cybersecurity notations, meeting new mandatory regulations that came into force on 1 July 2024.

One of the CSOVs is North Star’s Grampian Kestrel and the other vessel is Purus Chinook that was handed over to Purus.