The 2025 Offshore Energy Vessel of the Year Award went to IWS Seawalker, a 90-metre CSOV designed and equipped by Kongsberg Maritime, during a ceremony at the Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference in London.
IWS Seawalker is one of six “Skywalker Class” CSOVs in the Integrated Wind Solutions (IWS) fleet in Norway. The vessel is based on Kongsberg Maritime’s UT 5519 DE ship design. The award recognises an owner, designer, and builder of an offshore energy vessel “that has set industry benchmarks through innovative design and efficient operation.”
Ronny Pål Kvalsvik, Vice President Kongsberg Ship DesignWe greatly appreciate the good cooperation with IWS. That we have received this award together is just amazing. This series of vessels is a game changer in the offshore wind space.
The Skywalker Class was designed specifically for the offshore wind operations, focusing on reduced emissions and enhanced sustainability. The UT 5519 DE has a novel, double-ended hull form and propulsion set-up, which draws on years of Kongsberg Maritime’s in-house R&D and operational experience in wind farm service vessel design that minimises emissions and maximises manoeuvrability and efficiency.
Kongsberg Maritime had an extensive scope of supply for all six Skywalker Class ships. The company provided design and system integration, with main propulsion coming from four, US 255 L PM azimuth thrusters, with permanent magnet (PM) motors. This offers fully symmetrical propulsion and manoeuvring system, matching the symmetrical hull design, fore and aft.
The double-ended configuration is perfect for DP and the walk-to-work application. Kongsberg Maritime’s DP system allows the operator to use a fully automated mode when travelling between turbines on a pre-defined transit plan for maximum efficiency.
The Skywalker class vessels have IMO Tier 3 engines and a 2.2MWh battery back. The vessels also prioritise crew wellbeing, which is critical for morale and productivity.
Curious About the First Skywalker Class CSOV?
The first of six innovative vessels has set sail in the North Sea. Designed and equipped by Kongsberg Maritime, it's raising the bar for wind farm operations. Want to know more?
Look, it’s Skywalker
In the world of energy-efficient vessels, a new force has been awakened in the shape of the IWS Skywalker.
50 years of ship design
With 50 years of experience designing vessels for the toughest conditions and 1000 designs built, Kongsberg Maritime’s Ship Design team is now focused on a zero-emissions future in the maritime industry
Offshore advances
<!--StartFragment-->Offshore wind power is a growing sector, which has seen the way Kongsberg Maritime works within it change. Chief Designer Martijn de Jongh explains how we’re keeping pace. <!--EndFragment-->
IWS Seawalker CSOV makes it 1000 ship designs from Kongsberg Maritime
The IWS Seawalker, a futuristic CSOV, marks a major milestone for Kongsberg Maritime’s Ship Design team, which has provided detailed designs for ship owners in over 50 countries
Curious About the First Skywalker Class CSOV?
The first of six innovative vessels has set sail in the North Sea. Designed and equipped by Kongsberg Maritime, it's raising the bar for wind farm operations. Want to know more?
Look, it’s Skywalker
In the world of energy-efficient vessels, a new force has been awakened in the shape of the IWS Skywalker.
50 years of ship design
With 50 years of experience designing vessels for the toughest conditions and 1000 designs built, Kongsberg Maritime’s Ship Design team is now focused on a zero-emissions future in the maritime industry
Offshore advances
<!--StartFragment-->Offshore wind power is a growing sector, which has seen the way Kongsberg Maritime works within it change. Chief Designer Martijn de Jongh explains how we’re keeping pace. <!--EndFragment-->
IWS Seawalker CSOV makes it 1000 ship designs from Kongsberg Maritime
The IWS Seawalker, a futuristic CSOV, marks a major milestone for Kongsberg Maritime’s Ship Design team, which has provided detailed designs for ship owners in over 50 countries
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