VARD marks keel laying milestone for subsea construction vessel in Europe (Gallery)

November 28, 2025, by Melisa Cavcic

Norwegian shipbuilder VARD has held a keel laying ceremony for an offshore subsea construction vessel it is building for Dong Fang Offshore (DFO).

While confirming the keel laying ceremony for the NB 988 subsea construction vessel, which was carried out at Vard Shipyards Romania – Braila on November 21, 2025, for Dong Fang Offshore, the shipbuilder highlights that the hull is under construction in Brăila, with outfitting and delivery scheduled at Vard Søviknes.

The vessel, which is of VARD 3 39 design, is expected to support subsea operations, offshore wind activities, and cable installation. This ship, which will be 121.3 meters long and 23 meters wide, will have the capacity to accommodate up to 130 people.

Ollie Chasteauneuf, Fleet Manager, of DFO, emphasized: “This ceremony signals our commitment to work with VARD to deliver a best-in-class vessel. Today, we also place coins beneath the keel, following a tradition meant to bring protection and good fortune to the ship and all who will work aboard her.”

This comes months after the Norwegian shipbuilder confirmed the keel laying ceremony for the second hybrid power ocean energy construction vessel (OECV) ordered by Island Offshore.