First of two methanol-prepared CSOVs launched

Calling the launch ‘a leap forward’ in supporting the offshore wind sector, BS Offshore says the vessel, to be delivered in the next quarter of 2025, has been prepared to run on methanol.

The CSOV, known as Yno 320, has Ulstein Verft’s Twin X-Stern design, which gives it optimum positioning while working on a wind farm.

“Yno 320 for BS Offshore is an energy-efficient hybrid DE/battery vessel and prepared for future use of methanol,” said design manager Ann Katrin Barstad and system architect Per Arne Riksheim, both working at Ulstein Design & Solutions. “Methanol as fuel is not yet widely available but is an alternative in the short term when logistics and availability of the fuel itself allow.

“This particular vessel for BS Offshore has been developed to accommodate 15MWh battery capacity with today’s battery technology. The hours of operation will depend on type of operation: 15MWh typically leads to 12 hours of in-field operations with offshore charging.”

In today’s era of uncertainty over new fuels, Ulstein Verft is pragmatic, says managing director Lars Lühr Olsen.

“Ulstein Verft is an experienced and renowned prototype yard, constructing state-of-the-art vessels,” he said. “Together with Ulstein Design & Solutions we are we are prepared to discuss all types of new fuels with our potential customers.”

Comfort and safety demands

Ulstein, say Barstad and Riksheim, has always prioritised comfort and safety in its vessels – and stresses that one is not independent of the other.

“We note that the ship owners regularly request comfortable accommodation with low noise, vibrations and movements,” they said. “Safety has always been a focus area in shipping, but safety is also a result of comfort: Adequate rest is essential for the technicians on the CSOV to carry out their tasks safely.

“To Ulstein as a ship design company, focus on comfort and safety have always been high priority. Ulstein solves this with our hull designs (X-Bow, X-Stern, Twin X-Stern) which reduce noise and motions while increasing operability. The BS Offshore vessel is a Twin X-Stern vessel, it has an X -Stern fore and aft. The X-Stern at both ends minimises wave response and slamming, leading to decreased accelerations with reduced motions, low noise levels and improved onboard experience.”