Norwegian shipbuilder and designer Ulstein Verft AS has signed a contract for the building of a DP2 Construction Support Vessel (CSV) for the Netherlands based Acta Marine B.V.
The vessel is primarily aimed at the offshore wind market and carries the new SX195 design from Ulstein Design & Solutions AS, which features both Ulstein’s X-BOW and X-STERN.
“We are expanding our services and fleet for offshore wind and chose Ulstein for our new construction support vessel. The dedicated SX195 design with the X-STERN, an integrated walk-to-work gangway system and 3D crane, and its accommodation, represents a next step in responding to the market needs,” said Rob Boer, managing director of Acta Marine.
In-field flexibility, winter workability, safe transfer of people and cargo, optimised on-board logistics, high productivity and high comfort for charterers’ crews are of eminent value.
“This vessel will be the next level in the market and very well suited to operate in the offshore, and specifically the renewables, market. Furthermore, Ulstein Verft is renowned for its quality and on-time deliveries, and a vital part of the ship construction is carried out in a roofed and controlled environment", added Boer.
The CSV vessel is 93.4 metres in length with18 metres beam, and can accommodate up to 120 people in 80 cabins. It will be equipped with an SMST provided Dynamic Motion Compensated Gangway system, mounted on an integrated tower with height adjustment and a personnel/cargo lift. Additionally, the vessel features a 3D-motion compensated crane with 6t lifting capacity. Cargo areas are 500 square metres indoors, and 500 square metres outdoors. The vessel has been designed to provide walk-to-work transfer of personnel and cargo, efficient and safe in significant wave-heights (Hs) up to 3.0 metres.
Acta’s new CSV can take on assignments in commissioning and construction in the offshore wind farm installation phase, and perform maintenance tasks on completed wind farms.
Besides carrying the X-BOW hull line design, the vessel is also equipped with the X-STERN, which increases the flexibility and operability while at the offshore wind farm. The hull shape increases comfort for the crew, with a substantial reduction in slamming, noise and vibrations. It is designed for increased efficiency and ease of use when running astern; an important consideration within windfarms where multiple obstructions mean large vessels need to manoeuvre astern a lot.
Norway-headquartered Ulstein Group is a family-run company established in 1917, and specialised in ship design, shipbuilding, systems and services for the maritime market. Ulstein has previously delivered offshore wind designs for three built vessels, one working in installation support and service (ISV/SOV), the other two are dedicated Service Operation Vessels (SOVs).
Ulstein Verft will be constructing the SX195 designed vessel for Acta Marine for delivery 2018.
By Jake Frith
