A MASSIVE new support vessel has docked in Barrow ready to service the windfarms being built off the coast of Walney.

The port of Barrow has welcomed the newly-built VOS Start , which will provide offshore logistics support during construction of the Walney Extension Offshore Wind Farm in the Irish Sea.

Named in Amsterdam on July 21, Vroon’s first subsea-support, walk-to-work vessel has been purpose built to support offshore operations in the renewable industry and walk-to-work projects in the oil and gas industry.


VOS Start arrived in Barrow just 11 days after its naming ceremony to start work on her first commercial contract.

As the closest port to the Walney Extension, Barrow provides a home to four offshore and maintenance bases supporting significant renewable generation developments in the Irish Sea.

Barrow also supports a range of projects run by Dong Energy and MNI Vestas and provides a location that is experiencing continuous development in support of the offshore wind, oil and gas industries.

Barrow's port manager Carl Bevan said: “We are very proud to have the perfect facilities to accommodate this class of ship and will ensure that our customers have everything they need to make the most of their stay.”

This year the Port of Barrow is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the official opening of the docks and is embracing the next generation of wind and offshore renewable development in addition to being the home port for long established customers including BAE Systems, International Nuclear Services and Centrica’s gas condensate export terminal.

Andrew Harston, short sea ports director, said: “At Barrow, we are proud to have played a key role in the economic prosperity of the town for the past 150 years and are committed to supporting Barrow’s vibrant local community.

"Together with its sister port of Silloth, Barrow contributes around £100m to the region’s economy and supports thousands of jobs. It is fantastic to welcome the Vos Start to Barrow as she represents the latest generation of purpose built offshore support vessels as we start our next 150 years, making history together helping Dong Energy deliver the Walney Extension.”