Vard Launches NB985 Energy Construction Vessel
The NB985, being built for Wind Energy Construction, was launched at Vard's Vung Tau shipyard in Vietnam.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Oil and Gas
Vard launched the NB985 energy construction vessel in Vietnam on November 2, 2026. The vessel is being built for Wind Energy Construction and is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2027.
Why it matters
The NB985 is intended for offshore wind, subsea and offshore infrastructure work, including inspection, maintenance and repair of subsea pipelines. Its launch marks progress toward delivery of a vessel designed for these specialized operations.
The NB985 measures 111.5 metres by 22.4 metres and carries a 150-tonne heave-compensated subsea crane with capacity for 120 people, according to the builder's launch announcement. The extraction provides no comparator fleet data or contract financials for the vessel.
The players
Vard
Vard is a shipbuilding and marine engineering company that designed and is building the NB985 at its Vung Tau facility in Vietnam.
Wind Energy Construction
Wind Energy Construction is a Norwegian company, partly owned by the founders and owners of Norwind Offshore, that ordered the NB985.
The details
Vard is delivering the complete NB985, covering design, hull construction, outfitting and commissioning, at its Vard Vung Tau facility in Vietnam. The vessel, based on Vard's VARD 3 11 design, is equipped with an electrically controlled, motion-compensated 3D walk-to-work gangway.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: Vard launches the NB985 at Vard Vung Tau, Vietnam.
Q2 2027: Scheduled delivery of the NB985 to Wind Energy Construction.
Market Landscape
The NB985 is built on Vard's VARD 3 11 design, extending that platform into the offshore wind construction market. The vessel's intended use in offshore wind and subsea pipeline work reflects the growing demand for specialized installation vessels in that sector.
The NB985's planned role in subsea pipeline inspection and offshore infrastructure construction may affect the availability of specialized installation services for operators in those areas. Delivery is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027, so near-term effects on service capacity are not yet known.
The takeaway
Vessels like the NB985 show how offshore wind and subsea operators are investing in purpose-built installation fleets. Its delivery timeline will indicate how quickly that capacity reaches the market.
Further reading
Explore more Oil and Gas coverage for context on offshore subsea and energy construction work.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Windtech-international.
