Ulstein Design & Solutions - Experts & Thought Leaders

The ULSTEIN® POWER Variable Speed Generator (VSG) has been designed to optimise power generation on marine vessels by dynamically adjusting its speed to match load requirements. Together with technical measures and overall ship design, the operational results on the CSOV Olympic Boreas show a record-low 2.7-tonne fuel consumption per 24 hours during a week of DP operations. Vessel’s energy demand Running the engines at variable speed optimises power production based on the vessel’s energy demand. Technical measures onboard have reduced power demand to 250-300 kilowatts under certain conditions. With such low power requirements, variable speed is significantly more efficient than constant speed, contributing to greatly reduced energy consumption per kWh produced. Ulstein Design & Solutions AS The process started with an energy-efficient hull and thorough evaluations of systems and components The process started with an energy-efficient hull and thorough evaluations of systems and components. Once elements like main dimensions, seakeeping properties, and uptime were in place, Ulstein Design & Solutions AS analysed how the ship could become as energy efficient as possible, considering various system and propulsion solutions to achieve the best energy use and recovery results. ULSTEIN POWER VSG Developed by Ulstein Power & Control, the ULSTEIN POWER VSG redefines the standards of efficiency, sustainability, and performance in marine AC power systems. It substantially improves fuel consumption, emission reduction, overall system performance, and lower maintenance costs. The AC system is based on known robust technical solutions, giving the shipowners a reliable solution. Big fuel savings on the Olympic Boreas The Olympic Boreas achievement represents close to a 50% reduction in fuel consumption compared to other CSOVs.  This highlights how the ULSTEIN POWER VSG, the technical measures, and the overall ship design can effectively enhance fuel efficiency and reduce operating costs, setting a new standard in the maritime industry. Implemented in a wide range of vessels ULSTEIN POWER VSG's versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of marine vessels, including offshore The ULSTEIN POWER VSG's versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of marine vessels, including offshore, expedition cruise, and aquaculture vessels.  Key components of the system include a powertrain, energy storage solutions, and a state-of-the-art power and energy management system. Modern maritime operations' demands The ULSTEIN POWER VSG represents a groundbreaking advancement in marine power solutions. Ulstein has delivered a solution that meets and exceeds maritime operations' demands by combining variable speed generation with cutting-edge automation and energy management applications. As the industry prioritises sustainability and efficiency, the Ulstein Power VSG stands out as a key enabler in navigating the future of green marine power solutions. Ulstein Power VSG Ulstein Power VSG dynamically adjusts its speed to match load requirements The Ulstein Power VSG is a sophisticated Variable-Speed Generator system designed to optimise power generation on marine vessels. It includes an advanced load-sharing strategy between fixed-speed and variable-speed generators operating in parallel.  Unlike traditional fixed-speed generators, which operate at a constant speed regardless of demand, the Ulstein Power VSG dynamically adjusts its speed to match load requirements, delivering power to the grid within the sweet spot of energy efficiency. This significantly improves fuel consumption, emission reduction, and overall system performance. Key components The Ulstein Power VSG system comprises several critical components: Powertrain: The core of the system,  adapting the generator’s rotational speed to provide optimised power output based on real-time demand. Energy storage solutions: Instant power for quick response, supporting dynamic power demand for challenging operations. Power and energy management system: An advanced control solution that monitors and controls the generator’s speed and energy storage, ensuring simple operation, superb performance and efficiency. Benefits of the Ulstein Power VSG The Ulstein Power VSG offers a multitude of benefits that set it apart from conventional power systems: Enhanced fuel efficiency: By adjusting the generator’s speed to match the exact power demand, the Ulstein Power VSG minimises fuel consumption, resulting in significant savings in fuel costs. Reduced emissions: Optimising fuel usage directly translates to lower emissions, helping vessels comply with stringent environmental regulations. Improved system reliability: Integration with a battery energy storage system ensures a dynamic and stable power supply, even during peak demand or generator fluctuations. Lower maintenance costs: Variable speed operation improves combustion and reduces mechanical stress on the diesel engine and associated components, resulting in a longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements. Operating at a variable speed can potentially increase the time between services by 50-70%. The best of both worlds: Combining a robust low-voltage AC solution with cutting-edge power conversion and energy storage systems, the ULSTEIN® POWER™ VSG ensures unparalleled reliability and sets a new benchmark for efficiency in the maritime industry. Applications The versatility of the Ulstein Power VSG makes it suitable for a wide range of marine vessels, including: Offshore vessels: Provides reliable, dynamic, and efficient power for DP-operated vessels like SOVs, subsea, and support ships. Expedition Cruise vessels: Ensures a smooth and efficient power supply, enhancing passenger comfort and operational reliability. Aquaculture vessels: Highly variable power demands depending on the type of operation will have great benefit from the Ulstein Power VSG, ensuring a significantly reduced environmental footprint.

The state-of-the-art 'Olympic Boreas' CSOV has been delivered to Olympic by Ulstein Verft on 25.07.2024. The vessel is the first of two sister vessels, based on the ULSTEIN SX222 design by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS. 'Olympic Boreas' CSOV Olympic Boreas has been designed with the TWIN X-STERN solution and comes with a unique hybrid power integration. Further, she has a large gangway system installed, high-capacity, delicately furnished accommodation, including offices, lounges, day rooms, game rooms, and an exercise room to make the vessel a home away from home. The vessel is a nominee for the Ship of the Year Award.  Operations within offshore energy The CEO of Olympic Group, Stig Remøy, emphasises the importance of good cooperation The CEO of Olympic Group, Stig Remøy, emphasises the importance of good cooperation. Stig Remøy said, "We are proud to welcome Olympic Boreas, an innovative and pioneering vessel. This ship is a product of the excellent cooperation between Ulstein and Olympic and the strength of the maritime cluster in our region. It will play an essential role in our future operations within offshore energy. We look forward to using this high-quality vessel to promote sustainable, efficient, and safe operations in the industry." "In partnership with Olympic, we have developed and built an exceptional ship," says CEO Gunvor Ulstein, Ulstein Group, adding "We have collaborated with Olympic on numerous past projects and are gratified that they once again selected Ulstein for this innovative newbuild. I am proud to announce the delivery of this high-quality, next-generation offshore energy vessel that is set to benefit the shipowner for many years ahead." TWIN X-STERN Ulstein's hull solutions have been developed for harsh sea states, with excellent seakeeping characteristics, to secure safe and comfortable journeys for the crew and passengers. The TWIN X-STERN solution includes four main thrusters: two aft and two in the foreship.  With this innovative setup, the vessel is exceptionally swift and can perform walk-to-work operations in an efficient manner. This has a significant impact on fuel consumption in dynamic positioning operations. Hybrid power solution The vessel is prepared for methanol fuel, paving the way for zero-emission operations Ulstein Power & Control’s hybrid power solution incorporates a substantial battery system and diesel generators that operate at variable speeds. This design ensures optimal fuel utilisation. The vessel is prepared for methanol fuel, paving the way for zero-emission operations. There is also reserved space for extra battery capacity, allowing full-electric operations once the necessary infrastructure becomes available. The focus is on energy efficiency, resulting in maximised energy-efficient operations, manoeuvrability, and functionality. Naming ceremony The Olympic Boreas will be named in a ceremony on 27 July, and the joint team at Olympic and Ulstein wishes her fair winds and following seas! More information The ULSTEIN SX222 vessels have a length of 89.6 m and a beam of 19.2 m. They can accommodate 126 people in 91 cabins, all of which have daylight. Further reading: Vessel characteristics. Olympic and Ulstein, together with other partners, are cooperating in a project to develop a life-cycle assessment (LCA) of new vessels, focusing on the Olympic Boreas and her sister vessel. The implementation of life cycle analysis in shipbuilding and in the operation of the vessel is crucial for assessing the environmental impact of maritime technologies and identifying alternative low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels that can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships in a holistic manner.

The expansion of the offshore wind market has brought about significant changes in the cable-laying industry. More turbines mean more cables to install, which means a greater need for carousel capacity on the cable-laying vessel.  Average cable length However, the length of the installed cable is dependent not only on the number of turbines, but also on their size. The average cable length per wind farm has grown from 30 km in the 2000s to 80 km in the late 2010s and is projected to surpass 100 km by the end of this decade. The longer the required cable, the greater the carousel and vessel capacity needed. Moreover, as turbines get bigger, the cable’s diameter and weight also increase, tripling the impact. How cable weight has increased in the offshore wind industry? A review of cable length and weight across wind farms reveals that in the 2010s - 75% of installations used inter-array cables that weighed less than 2,500 tonnes. However, to match this percentage for wind farm projects in the 2020s and 2030s, the cable weight increases to 3,500 and 4,500 tonnes, respectively. Furthermore, the cable weight has risen from 4,000 tonnes in the previous decade to 6,000 tonnes in the current period for 90 % of installations. The ULSTEIN SX238: A future-ready solution The ULSTEIN SX238 boasts a 6,000-tonne cable capacity and offers an optimal mix of capacity, cost, and efficiency for inter-array cable laying operations. ULSTEIN X-BOW features The vessel features the innovative ULSTEIN X-BOW design, which excels in harsh conditions. In rough head seas, the X-BOW design minimises slamming and reduces vibrations for a more comfortable and safer journey for those on board. Net Zero Ready - pioneering sustainability The ULSTEIN SX238 is not just about functionality. It is also about sustainability The ULSTEIN SX238 is not just about functionality. It is also about sustainability. The vessel is Net Zero Ready, equipped for dual fuel operation with methanol, and comes with a battery capacity of 1,130 kWh for spinning reserves and peak shaving. Under-deck carousel setup The ULSTEIN SX238’s cable storage system is split into two carousels, both located under the deck for protection against the elements. Each carousel has a diameter of 20.5 m and a cable capacity of 3,000 tonnes. The dual-carousel setup ensures seamless cable handling during installations. Efficient CPS handling The vessel can store up to 500 tonnes of cable protection systems (CPS) on deck. The CPS can be stored in containers, handled, and assembled on top of the hangar. Then, it is transferred to the cable deck via chutes and hatches directly to the firing line.