Ulstein Verft in Norway has announced the successful delivery of the Construction Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) ‘Olympic Notos’ to offshore operator Olympic.
This vessel is thought to mark a significant milestone in maritime innovation and excellence. Olympic’s experience gained from sister ship, Olympic Boreas, suggests that the CSOVs can operate with close to a 50% reduction in fuel consumption compared to other CSOVs in service.
The Olympic Notos is designed to meet the highest safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability standards, and is poised to support a wide range of offshore operations, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Stig Remøy, CEO Olympic said: “At Olympic, we are fully committed to meeting the climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement, and the Olympic Notos is a vital step in that direction. This vessel showcases our dedication to reducing emissions and promoting sustainability through cutting-edge technology and innovative design. By investing in such advancements, we’re not only enhancing operational efficiency but also making a meaningful contribution to a cleaner, greener future for the offshore industry.”
Gunvor Ulstein, Ulstein CEO added: “We are excited to deliver the Olympic Notos to Olympic. This vessel represents our commitment to quality and innovation in the maritime industry. We are confident that she will serve Olympic well.”
When Olympic turned to Ulstein for the development of two CSOVs, the goal was threefold: Olympic wanted to set a new maritime standard by reducing the vessels’ total emissions, maximising the operability, and increasing the comfort of their crew and clients. The first vessel, Olympic Boreas, was delivered in July 2024, two years after the signing of the shipbuilding contract.
Glenn Erik Valø, CCO Olympic, said: “The process with Ulstein started with considering various options and the effect of different setups before deciding on the final power setup. When it comes to the carbon footprint of these vessels, we looked at the placement of the propellers, the use of batteries and permanent magnet technology, and variable speed generators. We even regenerate energy from the gangway system and from heat exchange systems.”
Ulstein Power and Control, in collaboration with other Ulstein companies, developed an advanced hybrid power and control system. Equipped with sophisticated control algorithms, it is said to ensure energy production within the sweet spot of efficiency.
Each component and control strategy was meticulously chosen, tested, and integrated into a solution managed by the X-Connect automation platform.
Geir Haddal, Senior Engineer System Architect, Ulstein Power and Control said: “We focused on minimising fuel consumption and environmental impact. From design to integration, we remained committed to optimal power and energy utilisation. The resulting efficiency and consumption figures have surpassed our expectations, delivering outstanding performance levels.”
Valø added: “When we sat down and started working with Ulstein, we were quite fascinated by the Twin X-Stern concept and how it allows for an optimum placement of thrusters fore and aft. By utilising this ‘4-wheel-drive-system’, we gain increased efficiency and operability at sea. The way the vessel is designed, including the hull shape and the placement of the propellers, allows for very good seakeeping and station-keeping capabilities. This, together with the gangway system and 3D crane from leading suppliers, we believe we have pushed the boundary for operability, all within safe and efficient offshore operations. Comfort levels are key to fully rested crews and clients, enabling them to be ready for their missions. By creating large open public spaces and smaller facilities for people to enjoy their time off, we believe we have created the perfect environment away from home. These are the world’s most fuel-efficient CSOVs. We have now seen these vessels in operation and can prove close to a 50% reduction in fuel consumption compared to other sailing CSOVs. Olympic and the maritime cluster once again prove that we can turn brilliant ideas into industry-leading vessels.”
The crew is said to be keenly anticipating taking the Olympic Notos to sea.
Kim Kopperstad, master, said: “It has been a privilege to collaborate with Ulstein and their suppliers in creating this exceptional vessel. The Olympic Notos combines cutting-edge technology with top-tier accommodations, making it highly functional and a pleasure to work on. I’m looking forward to many successful missions aboard her.”
Image: ‘Olympic Notos’ (credit:Ulstein Group)
