News

North Star, has invested more than £5million in new business support software systems to drive operational and sustainability efficiencies across its operations, whilst also boosting its seafarers’ wellbeing.

SMST has been awarded a contract by Cochin Shipyard Ltd for the delivery of a gangway (Telescopic Access Bridge L2) and a 5t Motion Compensated Crane. The mission equipment is to be installed on a North Star hybrid-electric service operation vessel (SOV) based on VARD 407 design.

North Star, specialist vessel operator for offshore infrastructure support services, has been announced as the first mover on the Midi-SOV – a new offshore wind ship design developed by trusted pioneer of next-generation vessel design, Chartwell Marine and VARD, one of the world's leading designers and shipbuilders of specialized vessels.

Four years ago, Matthew Gordon took over the mantle as North Star CEO, steering the 137-year-old company onto a path of exceptional transformation and growth. Under his steadfast influence, the firm has shaken up the offshore wind sector with its hybrid-propulsion offshore wind ships, swiftly establishing itself at the forefront of the UK’s service operation vessel (SOV) market while solidifying its leading position in the North Sea’s conventional energy sector.

North Star has secured further debt investment of up to £425million to accelerate its ambition to become the leading player in Europe’s offshore wind sector and add 40 hybrid service operation vessels (SOVs) to its fleet by 2040.

North Star has secured a contract with Siemens Gamesa to build a hybrid service operations vessel (SOV) bound for long-term charter at the East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm development located off the Suffolk coast, England.

North Star has signed a strategic partnership with VesselMan, a best-of-breed software company specialising in driving smarter and more efficient projects management with innovative technology.

North Star has secured a contract with energy utility giant EnBW to deliver a new hybrid-electric service operations vessel (SOV) on a decade-long minimum charter to service the He Dreiht wind farm off the coast of Germany.

As the shipping world continues on its journey to decarbonise and green technologies onboard vessels become the new norm, ensuring the workforce is upskilled and safe is key to a sustainable future. With the sector at an important intersection where traditional meets innovation, Colin Rushton, North Star’s Group HR and Crewing Manager says ensuring crews and onshore teams are supported is key to ensuring strong operational performance and a happy workplace.

As North Star celebrates the official naming of its second SOV, the Grampian Derwent, and it’s second daughter craft, the Alison Kay, CEO Matthew Gordon reflects on how collaboration remains the linchpin of progress, driving the business towards a more sustainable future in its ambition to add 40 hybrid Service Operations Vessels (SOVs) to its fleet by 2040.