Acta Marine - Experts & Thought Leaders

Ulstein Design & Solutions AS has signed a contract with Tersan Shipyard for two methanol-fuelled ULSTEIN SX216 Construction Service Operating Vessel (CSOV) designs. The vessels will be constructed for the Netherlands-based Acta Marine and will be number 3 and 4 with the novel TWIN X-STERN solution in the Acta fleet. The ship owner Acta Marine has already signed a long-term contract for a 12-year basis with RWE for the two vessels to support North Sea wind farms. The vessels are expected to begin operation from the Port of Grimsby in early 2025 and 2026. Performing safe operations Why is the TWIN X-STERN perfect for offshore wind service operations? The TWIN X-STERN vessels have two sterns and two main propeller units at each end. Placing either end towards the weather results in excellent operability without limitation on vessel speed. The TWIN X-STERN solution leads to improved fuel efficiency whilst reducing the motions, which is important for technicians who need quality rest to perform safe operations. The TWIN X-STERN vessels have two sterns and two main propeller units at each end The TWIN X-STERN offers larger flexibility regarding the choice of propeller type, a bi-symmetric hull shape and propulsion setup with fewer propulsion units is possible. The hybrid power solution in these vessels, with green methanol intended as the main energy source, has dual-fuel engines supported by a battery package. The system integration allows the most fuel-efficient modes of operation. Combining the fuel-efficient TWIN X-STERN and the dual-fuel methanol/diesel power generators will help reduce the emissions in offshore wind farm operations. Minimising environmental impact “We as Tersan Shipyard have ensured a really good start of cooperation with Ulstein Design and gained an effective experience with the first two Acta Marine vessels. Ulstein’s innovative design solutions on Acta Marine vessels also correspond perfectly with the substantial experience of Tersan Shipyard among different kinds of vessels,” said Sakir Erdoğan, Tersan Shipyard Business Development and Marketing Director. “We are excited to announce the order of two more Ulstein-designed SX216 SOVs," stated Rob Boer, Managing Director of Acta Marine. "These vessels represent the culmination of extensive research by Acta Marine in combination with Ulstein’s engineering excellence. With the vessel’s advanced features and cutting-edge technology, they will play a pivotal role in supporting the TK and Sofia projects for RWE, providing efficient and reliable services while minimising environmental impact.” Zero emission shipping Ulstein's vision is to create tomorrow's solutions for sustainable marine operations" “Ulstein's vision is to create tomorrow's solutions for sustainable marine operations. Through our dedication to innovation, application of expertise and commitment to quality, we give our customers added value. Acta Marine is strongly committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and these CSOVs fit in their timeline towards their goal of a 70 per cent reduction in net CO2 emissions. Achieving a low carbon or zero emission shipping industry in the future, we must act whilst in the design phase of the vessels," says Rolf-Petter Almli in Ulstein Design & Solutions AS. "Therefore, we worked with Acta Marine to evaluate the best possible fuel alternatives. Methanol's energy density and storage are favourable, it is an accessible energy source, and dual-fuel engines that can handle both methanol and diesel are available in the market. As soon as methanol had been chosen as an alternative energy source, Ulstein Design & Solutions started to adapt the design, implementing the methanol bunkering, tank and system layouts on a conceptual level." Offshore wind farms The offshore wind service vessel designs from Ulstein have been developed to effectively support the commissioning, operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms. The SX216 vessel has a length of 89,9m, a beam of 19,2m and accommodates up to 135 POB. It has a walk-to-work (W2W) motion-compensated gangway for safe personnel transfer to the turbines, a 3D-motion-compensated crane for cargo transfer, and it can carry a daughter craft for in-farm transfers. Ulstein was appointed Industrial Design Company of the Year 2022 due to its recent innovations to help decarbonise the maritime industry, of which the TWIN X-STERN is one.

The steel cutting ceremony of the first of two next-generation Methanol MDO/HVO-powered DP2 Construction Service Operating Vessels (CSOVs) for Acta Marine was arranged on 18 January, 2023, at Tersan Shipyard. The SX216 design of the vessel has been developed exclusively and in close collaboration with Ulstein Design & Solutions AS. The steel cutting is the official kick-off for the construction of the Acta Marine CSOVs at the shipyard. The 89-metre-long vessels will be equipped with an SMST-provided motion-compensated crane and a motion-compensated gangway for safe personnel transfer in significant wave heights up to 3.0 metres. Construction Service Operating Vessel (CSOV) The CSOV provides excellent accommodation facilities for up to 135 people The Construction Service Operating Vessel (CSOV) provides excellent accommodation facilities for up to 135 people. In addition to the Methanol MDO/HVO engines, the vessels feature a battery power storage system, creating further energy efficiency and CO2 reduction. These vessels are the first contracted to implement Ulstein’s TWIN X-STERN design. This design has several unique characteristics, but the main distinguishing features of the vessel are the two sterns and main propeller units at each end. Combination of thrusters and symmetrical hull design The combination of thrusters and symmetrical hull design in the CSOVs results in lower energy consumption and reduced motions, and therefore, higher operability and comfort. This concept dramatically improves the manoeuvrability and ability to stay in position. Furthermore, the design allows for reduced noise, increased comfort on board and the potential to save significant amounts of energy in operation. Nominated for two awards The design is being noticed, and the TWIN X-STERN was recently nominated for the Offshore Support Journal Innovation of the Year Award and the Acta Marine CSOV project is nominated for the Offshore Renewables Award. Together with the second newbuild CSOV, which will follow three months later, these state-of-the-art vessels will be added to the Acta Marine fleet in the second quarter of 2024, enabling Acta Marine to continue its prominent position in the offshore wind market industry.