IWS Seawalker Wins 2025 Offshore Energy Vessel Of The Year Award

The IWS Seawalker, a 90-meter Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) designed and equipped by Kongsberg Maritime, has won the 2025 Offshore Energy Vessel of the Year Award.

The recognition was announced during the Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference in London, honouring the vessel’s innovative design and energy-efficient performance.

The vessel is owned by Integrated Wind Solutions (IWS) and is part of the company’s Skywalker Class fleet, consisting of six CSOVs operating in Norway’s offshore wind sector. It is based on Kongsberg Maritime’s UT 5519 DE ship design, which incorporates advanced propulsion and sustainability features.

The Offshore Energy Vessel of the Year Award recognises a builder, designer, and owner of an offshore vessel that has set industry benchmarks through innovation and efficiency.

The Skywalker Class was specifically designed for offshore wind operations, prioritising reduced emissions and enhanced sustainability.

A key feature of the UT 5519 DE design is its double-ended hull form and propulsion system, developed through Kongsberg Maritime’s in-house research and development (R&D).

The vessel is equipped with four US 255 L PM azimuth thrusters powered by permanent magnet (PM) motors, creating a fully symmetrical propulsion and manoeuvring system that matches the vessel’s double-ended hull.

According to Kongsberg Maritime, this design is ideal for dynamic positioning (DP) operations and walk-to-work applications. The company stated that its DP system enables fully automated navigation between wind turbines, following a pre-defined transit plan to maximise efficiency.

Kongsberg Maritime had an extensive scope of supply for all six vessels in the Skywalker Class, providing ship design, system integration, and propulsion technology.

The Vice President of Kongsberg Ship Design, Ronny Pål Kvalsvik, appreciated their partnership with IWS, describing the award as an exciting achievement for both companies.

The Skywalker Class vessels are also designed with IMO Tier 3-compliant engines and feature a 2.2MWh battery pack. The vessels prioritise crew well-being, which is considered essential for maintaining morale and productivity in offshore operations.

Reference: Kongsberg Maritime

Source: Maritime Shipping News