Norwegian operator Olympic has ordered two methanol-ready Construction Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) from Ulstein Verft with an option for a further two.
The vessels have hybrid battery propulsion and will be prepared for methanol fuel to enable zero emissions. They are based on the Ulstein SX222 design incorporating the Twin X-Stern hull form.
Olympic operates in the subsea service and renewable energy markets, was established in 1996 and is a major player in the maritime cluster on the Northwest coast of Norway. Olympic has previously built six vessels at Ulstein Verft and was the first customer of Ulstein Design & Solutions.
Olympic Group CEO Stig Remøy said: “For us, it will be crucial that the vessels are delivered on time and at the right quality, and this is what Ulstein Verft is known for. This means we can meet our customers’ demands and get the vessels into operation at the agreed time. The Twin X-Stern is a smart concept, optimised for low energy consumption. During operation, the offshore wind service vessels stay positioned at the turbines most of the time, and with the main propellers fore and aft, these vessels will reduce the energy requirement to a new level when on DP. As a shipowner in the Norwegian maritime cluster, it is important for us to invest in this cluster. With a shipyard, ship designer, suppliers and Vartdal Invest as a co-investor, this is a project with a strong local ownership.”
Cathrine Kristiseter Marti, CEO Ulstein Group, said: “We are excited to be working with Olympic again, an important and innovative player in the Norwegian maritime cluster and a company that we have had the pleasure of working with for many years, through many complex and successful projects. With the current challenging economic and political climate, these contracts are a result of a pragmatic and good cooperation between the parties, where both parties have gone to great lengths to find good and viable solutions.”
The Ulstein SX222 vessels have a length of 89.6m and a beam of 19.2m. They accommodate 126 people in 91 cabins. The vessels are prepared for future requirements at the offshore wind farms. The vessels are powered by diesel-electric propulsion with variable speed in combination with large battery energy storage systems. The vessels are prepared for methanol fuel and have available space for additional battery capacity for full-electric repowering when the infrastructure for such is available. The hull shape and hybrid propulsion system will ensure high operational performances and seakeeping, and substantially reduced environmental footprint.
Lars Lühr Olsen, MD Ulstein Verft, said: “We have cooperated closely with Olympic in the details of this project and are very eager to start the newbuild project. We are very happy for the trust Olympic has placed in us and will do our utmost to deliver the vessels according to the agreed quality and timeline. The vessels are planned for delivery during spring and summer 2024.”
The extended power and automation package, including a large battery supply, will be delivered by Ulstein Power & Control.
