(ANSA) - BELGRADE, AUG 5 - Vard, Fincantieri Group's Norwegian subsidiary, has signed a new contract with North Star, the United Kingdom's largest shipowner-operator, for the design and construction of two hybrid Service Operation Vessels (SOVs). The order strengthens the two companies' partnership and confirms their shared commitment to sustainable maritime innovation. The agreement's value is defined as "large," which ranges from €100 to €200 million. Vard Design in Alesund, Norway, will build the new vessels on the tried-and-true VARD 4 19 platform, which was designed specifically for offshore wind farm operations. The first unit's hull will be built at the Vard shipyard in Romania - Brăila, with final outfitting and delivery taking place at one of the group's Norwegian shipyards in the fourth quarter of 2027. The second unit will be completely built and delivered by the Vard Vung Tau shipyard in Vietnam, with delivery set for the fourth quarter of 2028. (ANSA).