Ulstein Design & Solutions - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Olympic Zeus marked a significant advancement in maritime technology and a disruptive step into reduced environmental footprints upon its delivery in 2009. It gained tremendous attention in the Anchor-Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) market by adopting a hybrid Diesel-Electric/Diesel-Mechanical (DE/DM) power system, unlike its predecessors that relied on solely Diesel-Mechanical (DM) propulsion. Reduction in fuel consumption Innovation resulted in an impressive reduction in fuel consumption by up to 70% in specific modes This innovation resulted in an impressive reduction in fuel consumption by up to 70% in specific modes, and astonishing clients. “The Olympic Zeus was the best! Today, 15 years later, she is still among the best,” comments the shipowner, Olympic Shipping. In 2024, this groundbreaking vessel celebrated its 15th anniversary. Reducing the environmental footprint The vessel is based on the ULSTEIN A122 design by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS and constructed at Ulstein Verft. It is state-of-the-art in multiple ways, including the hybrid machinery, deep-water capabilities, excellent seakeeping, and performance characteristics that ensure outstanding fuel economy and low emissions. Already 15 years ago, Olympic Shipping and Ulstein had a strong focus on reducing the environmental footprint of the vessels. "It is still an excellent vessel with a very relevant setup, and there are not many other vessels around even today that can compete with it," Runar Stave, Chief Technical Officer of Olympic Shipping.

The hull of yard number (Yno) 321 for BS Offshore arrived at Ulstein Verft. This marks the beginning of a new phase in the shipbuilding process. The vessel is designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS for ‘walk-to-work’ (W2W) operations, where personnel walks via a motion-compensated gangway from the ship to a wind turbine. Hull arrival at Ulstein Verft The hull arrival at Ulstein Verft marks a new phase, which includes securing, painting While the hull has been under construction at the CRIST yard in Poland, closely monitored by a site team from Ulstein Verft, the designers and engineers at the various Ulstein companies in Norway and Poland have been working on finalising the detailed drawings for the ship. The hull arrival at Ulstein Verft marks a new phase, which includes securing, painting, outfitting, piping, equipment installations, electrical work, and system integration. Progress and collaboration of the vessel The vessel is sister to Yno 320, launched at Ulstein Verft on 23 February. “We are pleased to see the journey toward completing the second CSOV is progressing and look forward to the continued progress and collaboration in bringing this vessel, designed with efficiency, safety, and sustainability at its core, to life”, says Matthias Müller, Managing Director BS Offshore. TWIN X-STERN CSOV series The vessel will also have a diesel-electric propulsion system with substantial battery energy storage Like its predecessor, the newbuild is part of the innovative TWIN X-STERN CSOV series, known for its exceptional operational performance and seakeeping abilities. During the outfitting phase, the vessel will be equipped with advanced technology, including a 3D-compensated crane and a gangway, ensuring safe and efficient personnel and cargo transfer to offshore wind turbine facilities. The vessel will also have a diesel-electric propulsion system with substantial battery energy storage, significantly reducing the environmental footprint. She is prepared for methanol as a future fuel. Offshore wind sector After her delivery in 2025, the vessel will be ready to support the offshore wind sector with modern, high-comfort accommodation for up to 132 crew and clients. This is Ulstein's fifth W2W vessel for BS Offshore. All have been designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS and constructed at Ulstein Verft. BS Offshore is a pioneering ship owner, and Ulstein is proud to continue the partnership, contributing to the advancement of sustainable maritime solutions.

The world needs greener energy, but high costs are a barrier. Raw material and equipment prices have more than doubled, halting many projects. Can they reduce the financial risk of developing offshore wind farms and make walk-to-work (W2W) operations more affordable? Offshore wind turbines SOVs are the most efficient and preferred solution now for servicing offshore wind turbines, outperforming CTVs in safety, availability, and comfort. However, rising shipbuilding costs and new-build delivery times threaten their viability. CTVs, on the other hand, face tougher requirements, such as slower speed in protected areas and reduced emissions. New approach to operations and vessel Economies of scale have mitigated costs for SOVs, raw materials, and wind farm growth Economies of scale have mitigated costs for SOVs, raw materials, and wind farm development, but relying solely on large wind farms is not sustainable. Designing smaller SOVs alone is insufficient; a new approach to operations and vessel conceptualisation is essential. Reduces vessel CAPEX The ULSTEIN SX250: Reducing CAPEX and OPEX while maintaining high operational scope.  Ulstein's design team aimed to develop a walk-to-work vessel that reduces vessel CAPEX by at least 50% compared to an SOV, reducing OPEX accordingly, while retaining the majority of the key functionalities and operability. The result is the ULSTEIN SX250. New service logistics The latter handling larger tasks while two to three SX250 vessels manage the smaller jobs The ULSTEIN SX250 transforms offshore wind farm servicing by bridging the gap between CTVs and SOVs, introducing new service logistics. One or more SX250 vessels can support a full-sized SOV, the latter handling larger tasks while two to three SX250 vessels manage the smaller jobs. This setup meets service requirements and maintains the necessary up-time and it allows for more detailed operational planning and distribution of workload. ULSTEIN SX250 design The ULSTEIN SX250 design is best suited as the preferred solution for small and medium-sized windfarms, windfarms located in areas with benign and moderate sea states, or in shallow waters. ULSTEIN SX250 is also a perfect supplement to cater for the additional maintenance activities typically carried out during the summer campaigns. TWIN X-STERN solution  Safety is a major focus, with people and goods transferred via a basket in an OPTS The ULSTEIN SX250 is based on the proven TWIN X-STERN solution, which ensures high operability and excellent seakeeping capabilities. It measures 47 metres in length and 12.5 metres in width, accommodating between 32 to 40 individuals on board (POB). The vessel has a maximum speed of 10 knots and can operate in conditions of up to 2 metres of significant wave height (Hs). Safety is a major focus, with people and goods transferred via a basket in an Offshore Passenger Transfer System (OPTS), Bring-to-Work System, or conventional gangway. Flexible topside solutions The vessel can be customised with different arrangements and topside equipment, allowing it to adapt to various operational needs and making it easy to repurpose for new tasks. The vessel concept design relies on existing off-the-shelf hardware and technologies to ensure effective W2W operations while reducing CAPEX and OPEX. Offshore wind service industry The ULSTEIN SX250 is designed to meet the needs of the offshore wind service industry Depending on operational needs, various setups can include a gangway system for personnel/goods, a daughter craft, a deck storage container, a work or observation ROV, or a fast rescue craft/workboat. The ULSTEIN SX250 is designed to meet the needs of the offshore wind service industry, offering a cost-effective and versatile solution. It is also more environmentally friendly, significantly reducing material consumption during the shipbuilding phase compared to a Service Operation Vessel (SOV). Transition to zero-emission operations Additionally, it lowers fuel consumption during operations. Its reduced energy consumption facilitates the transition to zero-emission operations by enabling the integration of alternative fuels. By reducing its environmental footprint, the ULSTEIN SX250 aligns with the industry's push towards more sustainable operations.