A record subsea vessel conversion for Ulstein

Ulstein Design & Solutions AS has won its largest aftermarket contract to date marking a significant milestone in its work for the marine civils and offshore renewables sectors.

The image shows the offshore construction vessel Orient Adventurer

The contract, awarded by Dong Fang Offshore (DFO), includes advanced design and engineering to transform its subsea vessel, the Orient Adventurer, for cable-laying operations.

“We have worked with Ulstein before and find the people very professional. Choosing Ulstein Design & Solutions makes planning and installation a lot easier, shortening the schedule,” said Grant Hermanus, technical manager at DFO.

”For us, schedule and successful delivery to customers is everything.”

Extensive retrofit

Originally delivered in 2014 as an offshore construction vessel, the Orient Adventurer will undergo an extensive retrofit to expand its capabilities in the offshore renewables sector.

The conversion includes relocating tower equipment to new areas on the main, A and B decks, installing a foundation for a walk-to-work (W2W) gangway system and integrating a 3,000-tonne Huisman cable carousel.

Set for completion by 2026, the upgraded vessel will feature enhanced subsea functionality, including a containerised accommodation unit designed by Ulstein. 

“This landmark contract highlights Ulstein’s growing role in providing innovative engineering for the maritime sector,” said Runar Muren, managing director of Ulstein Design & Solutions AS.

He added that the vesel’s transformation underscores Ulstein’s commitment to advancing marine civils and supporting the rapid growth of offshore renewables.