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OSV DESIGNERS LOOK TO THE FUTURE
Editor Right now, Ulstein Design's futuristic AXoX only exists in the computer. But it could very well materialize into an actual ship in the not too distant future. "If we are going to be competitive and offer the designs and
ships which the market demands, we must have innovative ideas,"
says Tore Ulstein, president of Ulstein Design. Ulstein Design is now very much back in the international market. Back in August the company announced that, with the end of a five year restriction following the acquisition of the former Ulstein Group by Rolls-Royce, it had sold its first design outside of the Ulstein Group The design involved is for an Ulstein P105 platform supply vessel that will be built for Norway's Solstad Offshore at the Merwede Shipyard in the Netherlands. Another recent order for a P105 has come from Groupe Bourbon, whose Bourbon Ships AS took over the order (including the option for a second ship) for a P105 building at Ulstein's own facilities for delivery this month. The P105 is a large, flexible platform for supply operations. With a length of 86.2 meters and breadth of 19 meters it can carry almost 5,000 tons of cargo—2,840 tons as deck cargo. It has a diesel-electric propulsion system, low fuel consumption and noise levels and good seakeeping abilities. But what features will owners look for in next-generation vessels, such as the AXoX? "Price will always be an important factor," says Tore Ulstein. However, "we also see that health, safety and environmental concerns are becoming increasingly important. The charterers, the shipowners and the crews all emphasize these criteria. Comfort on board is also important for the crew. Noise and vibrations have to be kept at a minimum. On offshore ships, safety is especially important for the crew. Those working on the deck need to have the safest possible workplace."
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