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Vard Marine Inc. (VARD) is pleased to congratulate Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) and Hornbeck Offshore Services (HOS) on the successful delivery of HOS Rocinante at ESG’s facility at Allanton, Florida. The Vessel has undergone a significant conversion and upgrade from a platform supply vessel into a highly capable Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) for initial use in US offshore wind farm installation commissioning and operations.

VARD was selected to leverage its extensive knowledge of SOVs and as the designer of the original Bravante-class PSVs, to deliver a fully compliant, highly integrated vessel conversion design meeting Owner, ABS Class, and U.S. Coast Guard requirements.

VARD’s scope included naval architecture, stability analyses and approvals, and extensive structural modifications. This included a new deckhouse annex with gangway; FRC and daughter craft launch and recovery systems; a wave-breaking stern with boat landing; and a specialized well deck integrating container stowage, cargo storage, and a warehouse/workshop. Additionally, VARD carried out machinery and piping design for new and modified systems, outfitting for the new deckhouse arrangement, and provided support for design of the propulsion drive power electronics and battery energy storage system (ESS) to support efficient, future-ready operations.

“We originally designed this series of vessels to be quite capable as PSVs; now we are extremely excited to see her performance in this new life as a CSOV supporting the East Coast energy market.  We are also very proud to have the opportunity to once again support our friends and long-time partners at Hornbeck Offshore Services and Eastern Shipbuilding Group,” commented Darren Truelock, Vice President of Operations, Vard Marine US, Inc.

HOS Rocinante, when in her CSOV operations, can accommodate 119 personnel and features an 870 kWh CORVUS ORCA battery ESS, a 30-meter motion-compensated gangway by Uptime with stepless cargo and personnel access, dual passive anti-roll tanks for improved seakeeping, a Sikorsky S-92-certified helideck, a Motus 3D-compensated offshore crane, flexible cargo and workshop spaces, and a VARD designed adjustable stern CTV boat landing ramp delivering a modern, efficient, and future-ready state of the art CSOV or an offshore floating hotel.

Vard Marine Inc. (VARD), a Fincantieri company, is excited to share that Fibreglass Solutions Inc. (FSI) has been selected as a preferred supplier for Team Vigilance. This strategic partnership with preferred suppliers will enable Team Vigilance to deliver a naval solution crafted to meet the Royal Canadian Navy's (RCN) future fleet needs.

VIGILANCE will not only fulfill all the roles of the existing MCDV, but it will also enhance naval warfare capabilities beyond the current limitations of both the MCDV and the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels. By combining advanced capabilities with cost efficiency, VIGILANCE also preserves the life-cycle cost advantages for which VARD’s naval designs are known for.

Team Vigilance’s mission is to provide a world-class naval solution that is designed in Canada, built in Canada, and equipped in Canada, utilizing leading Canadian industrial partners. In conjunction with partners from Thales Canada, Ontario Shipyards, SH Defence and Fincantieri, Team Vigilance aims to supply the RCN with a versatile military asset that is capable, globally deployable and ready to tackle future naval challenges.

Fibreglass Solutions Inc. Joins Team Vigilance as a Preferred Supplier

A 100% Canadian-owned company based in Woodstock, Ontario, FSI has been delivering glass-reinforced epoxy (GRE) piping and structural solutions for naval applications since the mid-1990s. With extensive experience supporting allied fleets and working alongside Canadian shipyards, FSI offers an advanced, proven alternative to traditional piping systems. FSI is the Canadian distributor for NOV Fiber Glass Systems’ Bondstrand™ and MARRS™ marine and naval products.

GRE piping offers significant performance and operational benefits over conventional galvanized steel or copper-nickel systems. Notably, GRE piping weighs between half and one-fifth as much as its metallic counterparts, giving ship designers greater flexibility to reduce vessel displacement or increase payload, storage, or fuel capacity without compromising platform performance. This weight advantage also simplifies structural support requirements, reduces fuel consumption, and improves vessel stability—particularly for components mounted above the waterline.

FSI’s GRE systems are also highly resistant to corrosion, erosion, and scale buildup—eliminating the need for coatings, sacrificial anodes, or anti-fouling treatments—while also improving flow efficiency and reducing pump power requirements. The smooth internal surface of the pipe remains unchanged over decades of service, supporting system longevity and performance. These characteristics, combined with outstanding thermal insulation properties and sound attenuation, result in quieter, more energy-efficient vessels with significantly reduced lifecycle maintenance demands.

FSI’s products are shock, vibration, and ballistic qualified, and rated for full vacuum at elevated temperatures. The company supports its customers from early design and engineering through fabrication, installation, and in-service support. With in-house mechanical engineering services—including finite element analysis, hydraulic modelling, and structural detailing—FSI works closely with naval architects and shipyards to integrate GRE systems from the earliest stages of platform development.

Derek Buxton, Vice President of Business Development at Vard Marine Inc., stated, “GRE piping systems offer a compelling combination of performance, reliability, and cost efficiency—making them a strong fit for the VIGILANCE platform. FSI brings not only cutting-edge technology but also a deep understanding of naval applications and Canadian shipbuilding. We’re pleased to welcome them to Team Vigilance.”

David Harding, President at Fibreglass Solutions Inc., added, “We are honoured to be selected as a Preferred Supplier. Supporting the Royal Canadian Navy with Canadian-made solutions has always been a core focus of our business. We look forward to contributing to the success of the VIGILANCE program with our GRE technology, which offers unmatched durability and long-term value for naval platforms.”

As part of its ongoing efforts, Team Vigilance continues to expand its coalition of Canadian industry partners, ensuring that VIGILANCE will be designed, built and equipped in Canada. The team is committed to fostering strong domestic capabilities and supporting Canadian innovation.

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Andrew Kendrick. Andrew was not only a dear friend to many of us but also a mentor and trailblazer whose passion for icebreaker design and whose strong leadership left an indelible mark across our industry. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his remarkable contributions to the marine technical community in the field of naval architecture and ship design.

Andrew earned a Master's Degree in Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture from University College London and moved to Canada in 1981 to work on the Canadian Frigate Program before focusing on icebreaker design. He managed Arctic field test programs and collaborated with organizations such as the Krylov Institute in Russia on the development of the Polar Code and Polar Class Rules. In 2011, he established the Ottawa office of Vard Marine Inc., growing it into a key part of the organization, while also volunteering with multiple marine industry organizations, including serving as President of SNAME from 2020-2021.

Andrew was actively engaged in academia, both in applied research, and in mentoring students in the naval architecture program at Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador (MUN). In his memory, MUN, in conjunction with Vard Marine and, supported by the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, have established the Andrew Kendrick Memorial Endowment Fund. This will provide an annual scholarship to an undergraduate student in the Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering program at MUN. Other companies and individuals can also contribute to the endowment fund – as the fund grows it will enable the award of higher value scholarships and eventually multiple awards, continuing Andrew’s legacy in academia and naval architecture.

For information about the scholarship, click here.

There are two ways to donate:

1. Online: Visit https://www.mun.ca/give/give-online/ and select "Other" under "Please Direct My Gift To" and enter "Andrew Kendrick Scholarship."

2. Contact Matt Conway: Senior Development Officer at MUN Engineering via email at mdconway@mun.ca or phone at (709) 864-3274 (recommended for corporate donations).

Andrew’s legacy continues through his incredible contributions, mentorship, leadership and the future students he inspires.

Vard Marine Inc. has been contracted to develop a classification design package for review and approval by Bureau Veritas for Seaspan ULC for 7600 m³ LNG Bunker Vessels.

The 2 + 1 vessel build contract has been awarded to Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (SOE), a subsidiary of CIMC Enric Holdings.

Vard Marine and Seaspan ULC have been working closely over the past two years to develop the latest in LNG bunkering solutions. The vessel will incorporate emerging technologies, and improve operational emissions and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions while considering underwater radiated noise. The design is focused on safe, efficient and economical refueling of multiple ship types as well as an ability to transfer to and from a wide range of terminals, and will engage in ship-to-ship LNG transfer as well as coastal/short sea shipping operations.

Seaspan ULC is a group of Canadian companies primarily involved in coastal marine transportation, shipdocking/ship escort, ship repair and shipbuilding services in Western North America.

SOE will build the 7600 m³ LNG bunkering vessel at their shipyard in China. SOE is one of the most experienced small scale gas carrier shipbuilding yards having delivered more than 30 gas carriers for LNG, LEG and LPG.

Over recent years, Vard Marine has completed a series of LNG bunkering solutions from 1,200 m³ to 15,000 m³. Most recently for Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, a second LNG Bunker Barge was developed for a previous client, Polaris New Energy.

“LNG as a marine fuel is being adopted in North America and around the world at an exponential rate,” said Darren Truelock, Vice President of Vard Marine’s Houston operations, “and Vard Marine is proud to be a part of this evolution."

The vessel dimensions will be 113 m overall length, 18.6 m beam, and have a depth of 8.4 m. This project plays a leading role in developing the North American bunkering capability to provide LNG as a marine fuel to domestic and foreign LNG fuelled vessels. It will be the first and largest dedicated LNG bunker vessel designed and built to date for operations in North America.

Vard Marine Inc. (Vard) is delighted to congratulate Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) and the US Coast Guard (USCG) on commencing construction of the fourth Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) – the future USCGC RUSH (WMSM 918).

The OPC is based on the VARD 7 110 Offshore Patrol Vessel design. Vard has supported ESG on the OPC program for the past 11 years, beginning with Concept Design, continuing through Preliminary and Contract Design phases to Detail Design and Construction, awarded in late 2016. It continues to provide engineering support to ESG during construction of the first three OPCs and will continue to do so with Hull 4.

“Vard Marine is proud to be part of the ESG Team and this OPC Program,“ said Darren Truelock, Vice President Houston, Vard Marine. “Through the OPC, our team is committed to enabling and expanding the Coast Guard’s capabilities to conduct offshore missions safely and effectively.”

 “We are honored by the U.S. Coast Guard’s confidence in our team. We thank our valued partners, like Vard Marine, who have been with us since the beginning. Together, we utilized state of the market technology and innovation in the design to offer a more capable vessel than legacy assets currently in service,” said Joey D’Isernia, President of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.

Vard Marine Inc. is pleased to announce that Kristin Jovel, current Corporate Business Manager, has been appointed the position of Vice President Business Operations for its North American offices effective immediately.

Kristin joined the Houston office in 2010 after serving as a Director of a top-tier service management company. Over the past 11 years, she has successfully led various strategic development initiatives aligned to the company’s business operations and corporate governance. Her breadth of knowledge and leadership has been instrumental in expanding the team and improving processes and policies.

“I am honored to accept this new role, to continue leading and serving the corporate team I love, for a company I so passionately care for,” said Kristin. “With this being an exciting time for our company and industry, I’m looking forward to our continued growth and success with our industry partners.”

“Kristin’s extraordinary ability to identify gaps and solve problems has enabled Vard Marine’s rapid development over the past decade,” said Wade Carson, President, Vard Marine. “Her diligence and leadership have greatly contributed to building our highly skilled team. Kristin is a valued and welcome addition to our executive team.”

Vard Marine Inc. and ILS Oy are delighted to announce an agreement to work together to develop design solutions for the global icebreaker market and to address the challenges of ice-capable shipping worldwide. The two companies are world-leaders in this highly specialized field, with an extensive combined design portfolio and an impressive client base. Together, we are uniquely positioned to help shipbuilders, ship owners and operators in developing fit-for-purpose and sustainable vessel designs for both public and private sectors projects. 

One area of cooperation will be the further development and implementation of ILS’ patented Detachable IceBreaking Bow (DIBB) in new markets. The ILS DIBB, with its independent power plant allows icebreaking to become a modular capability that can be added to new and existing ships as and when required, rather than being built into the vessel with all the size, weight, cost and efficiency impacts that this implies. While detachable bows are not a new concept, the DIBB’s unique capabilities overcome many of the drawbacks of earlier approaches. 

While the agreement is new, both companies have long respected each other’s corporate cultures and achievements. Most recently Vard Marine has developed the conversion designs for the Canadian Coast Guard’s Medium Icebreakers (MIBs) from an original ILS hull design. These ships are now some of the Coast Guard’s most powerful and effective assets. 

Vard Marine’s CEO, Wade Carson notes “Our agreement with ILS Oy will assist both companies in helping current and new clients in identifying their needs and in providing the designs that address these. The two companies’ shared values include putting our clients first and providing objective and unbiased advice.” 

ILS’ CEO, Kristian Lehtonen says, “During the last five years, we have done design and consulting work for paying customers in 14 different countries. Cooperation with the highly skilled professionals of Vard Marine will further expand our horizons. We are pleased and honored to work with Vard Marine, as we share with them the same belief in hard work and commitment.” 

About Vard Marine Inc: Established in 1983, Vard Marine is an independent naval architecture and marine engineering consultancy headquartered in Canada and is today a wholly owned subsidiary of Norway's Vard Group AS and in turn owned by global shipbuilding giant Fincantieri S.p.A.  Since the company's inception Vard Marine has become one of North America’s leading designers of specialized ships, including ice-capable vessels and icebreakers for the Canadian and U.S. Coast Guards, The South African, Chilean and New Zealand Navies, and commercial clients worldwide. The Canadian government has just announced that two polar icebreakers will be built in Canada to VARD’s 9 206 design. 

About ILS Oy: ILS Ship Design & Engineering was established in 1988. Its track record in icebreaker designs includes well-known vessels such as the Fennica, Nordica, Botnica, the Tor Viking class, Finnish Navy’s OSRV Louhi, and the new LNG-fuelled icebreaker Polaris operated by Arctia. ILS has also designed several icebreaking harbor and oil export terminal tugs. ILS designed prototype DIBB recently completed ice trials in Finland, after a development program including extensive model tank testing. The DIBB operated its first winter 2020-21 in East Finland’s lake district. Its icebreaking capability and maneuverability were proven excellent, and its abilities have received praise from the masters of the merchant ships being assisted, and from pilots.