RWE and North Star Sign Long-Term Agreements for Next-Generation Service Operation Vessels to Maintain Growing Offshore Wind Fleet
Key Insights
RWE has secured long-term agreements with North Star to charter two next-generation service operation vessels (SOVs) for its North Sea offshore wind farms.
The 10- and 12-year contracts for the Grampian Eagle and Grampian Kestrel include options for extension and feature vessels capable of using alternative low-emission fuels.
Additionally, RWE and North Star signed reservation agreements for two newbuild SOVs from Vard Group, slated for delivery in 2028 and 2029.
This strategic partnership addresses a tight SOV market, ensuring efficient and low-emission maintenance for RWE’s existing and expanding global offshore wind portfolio.
RWE has forged a significant long-term partnership with North Star, the UK’s largest shipowner-operator, backed by Partners Group, to secure essential service operation vessel (SOV) capacity for its expanding offshore wind fleet. The agreement encompasses the charter of two next-generation SOVs, the Grampian Eagle and the Grampian Kestrel, capable of utilizing alternative low-emission fuels, alongside reservation agreements for two additional newbuild vessels slated for delivery in 2028 and 2029.
This strategic move addresses a tightening market for specialized offshore support vessels, ensuring RWE can maintain optimal performance across its operational assets and facilitate the commissioning of future projects. Thomas Michel, COO of RWE Offshore Wind, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “Through this long-term partnership, RWE is taking a strategic step by securing next generation service operations vessels against the backdrop of a tight market. Those service operations vessels are an important enabler for RWE to deliver best-in-class performance across our existing operational fleet, as well as for future projects.”
The Grampian Eagle is chartered for a minimum of 12 years to support the Triton Knoll offshore wind farm off the British coast, with its charter commencing in summer 2026. The Grampian Kestrel is secured for at least 10 years, beginning this winter, to serve RWE’s German offshore wind farms located north of Heligoland. Both vessels, built this year, feature integrated walk-to-work gangway systems, enhancing safety and accessibility for technicians, particularly in challenging offshore conditions.
Gitte Gard Talmo, CEO of North Star, highlighted the collaborative nature of the deal: “This landmark deal is the beginning of a strategic partnership between two industry leaders, built on early engagement, mutual trust and shared ambitions. We are proud to secure agreements for four state-of-the-art vessels and grateful for the trust put in us by RWE.”
Until the North Star vessels are fully operational, Windward Offshore will provide interim SOV support until the end of 2026. RWE, a global leader in offshore wind with 19 operational farms totaling 6.2 GW (3.3 GW RWE share) and 4.8 GW under construction (3.1 GW RWE share), continues to expand its portfolio. The long-term SOV agreements underpin the company’s ambitious growth trajectory, ensuring critical operational support for its current and future assets across Europe.