Vard Launches New Innovation Project

Vard Holdings Limited (“VARD”), one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of offshore and specialized vessels, is pleased to announce the launch of its new innovation project “A step forward”. Singapore, 2 June 2015 –

VARD’s innovations are developed with an emphasis on safety, user-friendliness, functionality, operability, cost optimization, fuel-economy and environmental performance. The project “A step forward” follows VARD’s strategy and long shipbuilding traditions in developing high technology and new solutions. Despite challenging market conditions, VARD continues to take initiatives and cooperate closely with customers and partners to enhance the power of innovation in the maritime industry.

Three of VARD’s specialized companies, Vard Accommodation, Vard Electro and Vard Design, have through a collaboration initiative joined forces with designer Per Ivar Selvaag and Montaag, a California- and Norway-based design agency, to develop a range of products and concepts. The goal has been to develop tools to enable higher returns on investment for our clients, increase the efficiency and ease of operations, and provide an attractive work environment on board. The new ideas present innovations as stand-alone products, or combined as a total concept.

New concept design

The exterior cuts an unmistakable profile in the horizon; a reflection of its many exciting interior features. The captain sits perched above the ship overlooking the operations from the cockpit bridge – a compact, purposeful and focused environment that boast a 360 degree view of the ocean. Separate cockpit bridge and operations decks provide crew and client access to spacious working areas, allowing for an overview of the outside operations without interrupting the captain.

Work on board

The new SeaQ Bridge is designed with the operator in mind and organized to achieve a clean and efficient workspace with focus on ease of operation, safety and ergonomics. The functionality is built around a completely new framework for flexible integration of maritime software applications.

Life on board

The aim is to make the experience on board more personal, and provide an attractive work environment that eases the transition between on shore and on board life. Working areas and leisure areas are logically placed, and separated from each other. New socializing arenas in improved dayrooms create a lively atmosphere, elevating the on board experience to another level. The new and unique SeaQ Cabin is designed to add a sense of privacy, and arranged to increase the quality of recreation – all to ensure a well-rested crew.

The innovation project “A step forward” will be unveiled at the leading maritime exhibition Nor-Shipping in Oslo today. Visitors are invited to experience VARD’s new bridge, cabin and interiors, and a ship model unlike any other.

This project presents exciting ideas for future vessels. Vard Design presents ideas and concepts to be further developed together with the customer while Vard Electro and Vard Accommodation present ready-to-use products assembled according to customers’ needs.

CEO and Executive Director Roy Reite at VARD said, “Seeing how highly competent VARD employees have worked alongside Montaag to develop creative and cost-effective maritime solutions for the future has been an inspiration. I am proud that we stay true to our values and continue to focus on satisfying customer needs despite the current market challenges. It is now more important than ever that we work closely together and deliver on our promise “built on trust”.