Vard Starts Steel Cutting for Second UPO Vessel
Vard has cut first steel for NB 1004, the second of two hybrid commissioning service operation vessels ordered by UPO.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Construction
Vard cut the first steel for NB 1004 at its Vung Tau shipyard in Vietnam, the second of two 88-metre hybrid commissioning service operation vessels ordered by UPO. The first vessel, NB 996, is already under construction at Vard's Tulcea shipyard in Romania.
Why it matters
The vessels are designed for offshore wind operations and are intended for use in Taiwan, supporting UPO's goal of expanding offshore wind vessel operations in Taiwan and the wider Asia Pacific region.
Each vessel measures 88 metres and can accommodate up to 120 people, including 93 technicians, with hybrid battery propulsion and DP2 dynamic positioning. Delivery schedules and total contract value were not disclosed in the available information.
The players
Vard
Vard is a Norwegian-headquartered shipbuilder and offshore vessel designer that builds specialized vessels for the offshore energy sector.
UPO
UPO is an offshore wind vessel operator established in October 2025 by U-Ming Marine Offshore and Purus to expand operations in Taiwan and the Asia Pacific region.
U-Ming Marine Offshore
U-Ming Marine Offshore is a shipping and offshore services company and part of Taiwan's Far Eastern Group.
The details
Both CSOVs are based on Vard's 4 19 design and will feature hybrid battery propulsion, DP2 dynamic positioning, and 3D-compensated walk-to-work gangways supplied by Vard subsidiary Seaonics. The vessels are being built at two Vard yards, with NB 1004 at Vung Tau in Vietnam and NB 996 at Tulcea in Romania.
Timeline
October 2025: UPO was established by U-Ming Marine Offshore and Purus.
November 2025: First steel was cut for NB 996 at the Tulcea shipyard.
October 2026: UPO revealed the first vessel's name as UPO Atlantic.
November 5, 2026: Vard cut first steel for NB 1004.
Market Landscape
Offshore wind developers in Asia Pacific increasingly rely on specialized CSOVs with walk-to-work access to service turbines, and this order extends that vessel class into Taiwan. Hybrid battery propulsion and dynamic positioning reflect the industry's push toward lower-emission and more precise offshore operations.
Offshore wind projects in Taiwan may see expanded technician transfer capacity as these vessels enter service, improving maintenance access to turbines. The hybrid propulsion design also points to lower fuel use and emissions for operators in the region.
The takeaway
Vessels built for offshore wind maintenance are becoming a key link in the energy transition, and hybrid designs with walk-to-work access are shaping how operators service turbines. Watching how UPO deploys these ships in Taiwan will show how the model performs in practice.
Further reading
For more on how offshore wind vessels are built and deployed, explore the Construction section.
