Look, it’s Skywalker

The ship is the first of six new wind farm commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs). It recently entered service in the North Sea, and the sense of pride that Kongsberg Maritime has is strong with this one; after all, we designed and equipped the ship to the highest standards.

It was delivered to its owners late last year and made its maiden voyage from China to Europe, with a detour around the Cape of Good Hope as a result of tensions in the Red Sea. 

But the vessel, a Kongsberg Maritime UT 5519 DE design, isn’t operating in a galaxy far, far away. It’s based in Hartlepool in north east England, and has started work in the Dogger Bank wind farm in the North Sea.

Insights caught up with Captain Anton Kavaler and his crew in Denmark, as they were preparing for their first deployment. 

Captain Kavaler, who joined the ship in China for the delivery run to Europe, speaks highly of the Skywalker’s capabilities. It’s clear that he is filled with a new hope that this vessel will stand the test of time.

“She’s a very capable ship,” he says. “The IWS Skywalker is equipped with four Kongsberg Maritime azimuth thrusters, a new concept for propulsion that allows the same propulsion on the bow and stern. This double-ended configuration is ideal for Dynamic Positioning (DP) and the walk-to-work application, enabling quick and safe manoeuvres between turbines.”

“The ship’s efficiency is unparalleled in the market,” adds Captain Kavaler. “She’s equipped with three Tier 3 engines and the largest battery pack, at 2.2 MWh, among the CSOVs in the North Sea.”

One of the key features of the vessel is the DP system from Kongsberg Maritime. “The DP system allows the operator to use it in fully automated mode, moving the vessel from one turbine to another.

“The operator can plot the coordinates of maybe five to 10 turbines, and then the vessel will automatically move from point A to B and to wherever else it needs to go, as part of the pre-defined passage plan. It’s a simple and efficient solution.”

“The Skywalker’s energy use is smooth, thanks to the Kongsberg Maritime automation system. Even though the operator might be experienced, if you lose concentration, even for a second, you will not keep the stable load at all times – only the automation system can do this,” says Captain Kavaler. “It’s a very clever system.”

The vessel is fully always manned by the IWS crew, with two trained operators for DP driving the gangways and crane. Before each mission, the crew makes sure all systems are tuned up and ready for operation. The IWS Skywalker and its sisters are designed to accommodate 120 people and are certified as a special purpose vessel. This summer, these vessels will be part of the new SOLAS (Saving of Lives at Sea) code.

The technology on board the IWS fleet is indicative of the fast-moving growth in the industry. 

“At first, it felt like the Starship Enterprise,” says Captain Kavaler. “It’s new software, new hardware and this ship represents a new era of CSOVs, combining cutting-edge technology with efficient operations to meet the demands of the wind farm industry.”

The IWS Skywalker offers a game-changing work environment. “Having spent time on several vessels for this project,” Jonny enthuses, “the Skywalker is phenomenal. It’s quiet, with exceptional living quarters – vital for crew members after a long 12-hour shift on a turbine. They have ample space to relax, eat, socialise or unwind in the games room. This ship prioritises crew wellbeing, which is crucial for morale and productivity.”

The vessel boasts a highly efficient crew transfer system. “Previously, technicians working on wind turbines endured a rough two-to-three-hour journey on small crew transfer vessels before even starting work,” Jonny recalls. “The Skywalker eliminates that entirely. Imagine waking up, having breakfast and stepping straight out onto the walk-to-work system – you’re at your workplace within minutes. It’s a massive improvement.”

Precise position

“The gangway functions like a giant conveyor belt, depositing technicians and their equipment directly onto the turbine base,” Jonny describes. “Kongsberg Maritime’s DP system is the key that unlocks this efficiency. When the vessel is in ‘DP mode’, it maintains a precise position despite wave action. This allows the gangway to connect securely with the turbine, and technicians can walk across safely.

“The system also actively compensates for the vessel’s rise and fall with the waves,” Jonny highlights. “This keeps the gangway perfectly level, ensuring safe and comfortable transfers regardless of sea conditions. The ability to transport equipment trolleys eliminates manual lifting, further enhancing safety.

“The DP system is absolutely essential for our walk-to-work operations,” Jonny concludes. “This cutting-edge technology is a game-changer for offshore wind farm maintenance. It underpins safe, efficient transfers and directly contributes to the success of this large-scale clean energy project.”