VIDEO: Ulstein launches first offshore wind service vessel

APRIL 28, 2016 — Norway’s Ulstein Verft shipyard has launched its first offshore wind services vessel. It is also the first vessel to feature Ulstein’s newly-developed X-Stern hull line design.

The service operation vessel (SOV) is one of two being constructed for Bernhard Schulte Offshore, and will be working for Siemens,s ervicing the Gemini wind park offshore the Netherlands.

Both 88 m x 18 m vessels are based on Ulstein’s SX175 design and are equipped with both the X-Bow and X-Stern hull features in order to improve seakeeping characteristics when positioned alongside the wind turbines during transfer of service technicians from the vessel through a heave compensated gangway.

The vessels have accommodations for 60 persons in single cabins, 40 of which are dedicated to technicians.

The final detailed arrangements and equipment for the vessels have been developed and specified in cooperation with WINDEA Offshore GmbH & Co. KG, which is the Bernhard Schulte Offshore’s affiliate for offshore wind projects.