Acta Marine - Experts & Thought Leaders

In 2024, Ulstein Verft delivered two new builds, the Construction Service Operation Vessels (CSOV) ‘Olympic Boreas’ and ‘Olympic Notos’. Olympic Boreas was awarded the Maritime Innovation of the Year and nominated for ‘Ship of the Year’.  Several more Ulstein Verft new buildings are in various phases of construction at the CRIST hull yard, including four CSOVs and one cable-laying vessel. Ulstein Verft aftermarket In 2024, 18 vessels stayed at Ulstein Verft for various aftermarket and service assignments, the most comprehensive of which was the conversion of the feed carrier - Eidsvaag Pioneer. Ulstein design and solutions newbuilds Sunstone’s seventh cruise ship, ‘Douglas Mawson’, was launched at the CMHI yard in China Ulstein ship designs have also been realised at other yards. Some examples from 2024: Two SOVs for Shanghai Electric were delivered from ZPMC, China, and the heavy lift pipelay vessel ‘JSD 6000’. Sunstone’s seventh cruise ship, ‘Douglas Mawson’, was launched at the CMHI yard in China. Acta Marine's four CSOV vessels are under construction at Tersan in Türkiye, and the ‘ECOFIVE’ trawler is in the final stages at Westcon Yards Ølensvåg, Norway. Ulstein design and solutions aftermarket Several service and aftermarket projects have been worked on in 2024. These services include conversions, redesign, upgrades, and repurposing, to name some. For Ulstein's design company in Norway, these types of assignments include 56 projects in 2024. Ulstein power and control Ulstein introduced the new ULSTEIN® POWER VSG (Variable Speed Generator). Along with technical measures and the overall ship design, including the TWIN X-STERN, this innovation led to record-low fuel consumption in DP operations for the two Olympic CSOVs. Ulstein power and control aftermarket The company carries out service assignments worldwide and is responsible for warranty follow-up Ulstein Power & Control manages a portfolio of 450 ships and systematically works with startups and services on systems and products within the power, automation, and control systems.  The company carries out service assignments worldwide and is responsible for warranty follow-up on all vessels and system deliveries from Ulstein Verft and Ulstein Design & Solutions, in addition to their deliveries. In 2024, this resulted in more than 300 orders and more than 80 customers. 2025 – the year ahead Ulstein looks forward to continuing to deliver innovative solutions and services in 2025 and is excited about the new opportunities and challenges this year will bring.  Their driving force, ‘Innovate, engage, and advance,’ is at the core of everything they do. 

The ULSTEIN SX216 vessels showcase Ulstein's commitment to innovation and excellence in maritime design. They are specifically tailored to meet the demanding needs of the offshore wind industry.   TWIN X-STERN® design The ULSTEIN TWIN X-STERN® design features two sterns and four main propeller units, two at each end, resulting in excellent operability with either end towards the weather. This design improves fuel efficiency, dynamic positioning capability, manoeuvrability, and reduces motions and noise. It also offers flexibility in propeller type and propulsion setup.  Hybrid power solution Ulstein’s designs ensure secure access for service personnel to offshore wind installations Ulstein’s designs ensure secure access for service personnel to offshore wind installations and provide comfortable accommodation for onboard personnel. The CSOVs for Acta Marine have a hybrid power solution with green methanol as the main energy source, supported by a battery package for fuel-efficient operation, reduced maintenance costs, and lower emissions.  Advancing maritime technology The collaboration with Tersan and Acta Marine underscores a shared vision for advancing maritime technology and supporting renewable energy growth. The ULSTEIN SX216 vessels are equipped with the latest technology to support offshore wind operations, including advanced dynamic positioning systems, spacious accommodation facilities, and versatile deck layouts, ensuring efficient and safe task performance.  Four vessels overview:  NB 1120 Acta Pegasus NB 1121 Acta Hercules NB 1222 Acta Gemini NB 1123 Acta TBN 

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.