Bernhard Schulte Offshore (BSO) has strengthened its offshore wind support capabilities with the delivery of ‘Windea Clarke’, the fourth and final Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) in its latest newbuilding series. The vessel was christened on 30 June at Ulstein Verft in Norway and has immediately commenced its first seasonal charter on an offshore wind project in the UK North Sea.
The delivery marks the completion of BSO’s homogeneous fleet of four advanced CSOVs, integrated into its offshore fleet since mid-2025, bringing the company’s total offshore fleet to seven vessels.
Matthias Müller, Managing Director of Bernhard Schulte Offshore, said the completion of the series represents a strategically important milestone that enhances the company’s ability to support offshore construction, commissioning and maintenance projects while significantly reducing environmental impact through efficient, low-emission vessel operations.
Built by Ulstein Verft, Windea Clarke is based on Ulstein’s advanced vessel design and incorporates the company’s TWIN X-STERN concept, providing enhanced manoeuvrability, improved seakeeping and greater fuel efficiency. The CSOV is equipped with hybrid battery propulsion and has been designed to support future methanol fuel conversion, aligning with the offshore industry’s transition toward greener operations.
A key environmental feature is the vessel’s DNV SILENT-E class notation, recognising its low underwater radiated noise levels achieved through optimised propeller design, vibration control and noise-reduction measures to minimise its impact on marine life.
Designed for offshore wind operations, Windea Clarke offers single-cabin accommodation for technicians, a height-adjustable walk-to-work gangway, a 3D motion-compensated crane, extensive cargo storage, a height-adjustable boat landing system for safe crew transfers, and a helideck to facilitate rapid personnel movement.
Continuing the naming tradition of honouring pioneering scientists, the vessel is named after Edith Clarke, the renowned electrical engineer whose contributions helped shape modern power systems engineering.
With the completion of the four-vessel CSOV programme, Bernhard Schulte Offshore further expands its capability to support the growing global offshore wind sector with a modern fleet designed for safe, efficient and sustainable offshore operations.