Njord Odin Windfarm Support Vessel (WSV) was launched in March 2015. Image: courtesy of Njord Offshore Ltd.
A close view of the BMT Active Fender System on Njord Odin Windfarm Support Vessel (WSV). Image: courtesy of Njord Offshore Ltd.
Njord Odin is fitted with four Volvo Penta IPS drives with dynamic positioning system. Image: courtesy of Njord Offshore Ltd.
Njord

Njord Odin is the first of a series of 26m IPS Class Wind farm Support Vessels (WSVs) being built by Australian shipbuilder Strategic Marine, for Njord Offshore, a company based in the UK. It was designed by BMT Nigel Gee, a subsidiary of BMT Group.

Njord Odin was launched in March 2015 and successfully concluded its sea trials in April 2015. Deliveries of the first two vessels are scheduled to conclude in 2015.

BMT Nigel Gee received a contract from Njord Offshore in March 2014 to provide design services for the construction of up to eight advanced 26m WSVs by Strategic Marine.

Njord Odin design and features

The wind farm support vessel features BMT’s aluminium hull design, integrating resiliently mounted superstructure, business class suspension seating, BMT-patented active fender system, and Humphree ride control. The 26m IPS class is assigned with DNV Wind Farm Service 1 R1 notation.

The vessel has a length of 26.3m, beam of 9.3m and a maximum draft of 1.6m. Its deadweight is 30t and service speed with 10t of deadweight is 26k. It can operate up to 150nmi away from shoreline.

Njord Odin is equipped with dive platforms, lifting lugs, and transfer access system. All areas board the ship, including the engine room, which is monitored by a CCTV system. The vessel is also fitted with tanks for the storage of 29,000l of fuel and 2,900l of fresh water.

Deck equipment and life saving systems

The forward and aft deck areas of the vessel measure 50m² and 27m², respectively. The deck has an overall loading capacity of 2t/m² and offers 10ft/20ft container points and multiple tie-down points. It is fitted with a fuel transfer system, moon pool, fresh and salt water pressure washer, and a Palfinger / PK12000MD crane with a maximum reach of 14.6m and maximum lifting capacity of 6.36t at 1m reach.

Life-saving equipment aboard the vessel includes a rescue area control system, Sea Marshall man-over board (MOB) finder, emergency position indicating radio-beacon (EPIRB), search-and-rescue transponder (SART), rescue areas, and Matesaver and MOB davits.

Navigation and communications

The navigation and communications are supported by two radars, electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS), Navtex (Navigational Telex), GPS, Speedlog, Inmarsat, Class A Automatic Identification System (AIS), Sat / Magnetic compasses and 3G internet.

The vessel is further equipped with five talkback stations, a loud hailer, intercom covering all areas, including the engine room, a DSC VHF unit, a UHF radio and four VHF units, including three handheld devices.

Accommodation facilities aboard Njord Odin

"The vessel has a length of 26.3m, beam of 9.3m and a maximum draft of 1.6m."

The vessel can accommodate four crew and 12 passengers. The spacious accommodation offers excellent visibility from all seating areas. It is equipped with air conditioning / de-misting / heating system. The wheelhouse is insulated against noise and vibration, whereas the passenger seating is equipped with shock mitigation system.

The vessel also features additional sofa-style seating and communal table area, changing area, drying storage area, two water closets, two showers, and full galley, including instant hot water and combi-oven facilities. The crew areas are furnished with anti-skid flooring and three LCD TVs with DVD.

Propulsion

Four Volvo Penta IPS drives with dynamic positioning system are fitted on the vessel for high propulsive efficiency. Each of the four Volvo IPS900 units delivers a power output of 515kW.

The IPS system offers superior manoeuvrability, dynamic positioning, as well as higher bollard pull that is essential for wind farm support missions. The vessel is also fitted with two 27kW auxiliary engines.

The propulsion system provides a maximum sprint speed of more than 30k.