Two newbuild projects for Ulstein

“We have analysed the market to make the right choices for Ulstein Group. We strongly believe that there will be an increased demand for this type of medium-sized platform supply vessels, “says Ulstein Group´s CEO Gunvor Ulstein. “On the basis of competence, quality and benchmarking of prices, Ulstein Verft is competitive, and it is an advantage that we can use our own yard to build the first vessels in this series. Ulstein Verft has had attractive delivery time frames as such the ships will be completed at a period where the market will need this type of tonnage.”

The design has focused on an efficient hull form and a choice of propulsion systems to minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The ships feature Ulstein’s X-Bow which the company says will, in good weather, offer the same efficiency as a traditional bow with a bulb, but can better cope with variations in depth, said to be important for vessels that operate with varying loads such as a PSV. In addition, the X-Bow is claimed to offer better motion characteristics and propulsion efficiency in heavy seas.

“Ulstein Verft´s order book is now filled until end of summer 2012. These are important contracts, which contribute to fill our capacity,” comments managing director of Ulstein Verft, Karsten Sævik.

The ships are optimised for the requirements for longer and deeper boreholes, and activities further from land. They will have a length of 83.4m and beam of 18m. Cargo deck area is 875m² and load capacity is 4200 dwt. Hull and propulsion systems have been selected for North Sea and North Atlantic capabilities, while the ships meet the requirements of Clean Design, with treatment systems for ballast water.

The ships are designed to reach a speed of at least 15 knots, but are optimised for low fuel consumption at a speed of 12 knots. They are equipped for 24 persons in 17 cabins.