In 2023, Bernhard Schulte Offshore ordered the design and construction of two such vessels from Ulstein, a contract which included options for two + two vessels. These options have been transferred to institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management, who declared the first two.
The ships have a large, centrally positioned walk-to-work motion-compensated gangway and elevator tower for personnel and cargo transfers. Furthermore, a 3D compensated crane capable of 5-ton-offshore-cargo lifts is installed. The optimized on-board logistics includes large storage capacities and stepless approach to the offshore installations.
The vessels have a length of 89.6 m and a beam of 19.2 m. The ULSTEIN SX222 design platform is adapted to the shipowner’s needs, including single cabins for 110 persons. In total, the vessels will be able to accommodate 132 people. The ships will have hybrid battery propulsion and be prepared for methanol fuel to enable carbon-neutral operations. They are flexible and attractive for work within areas such as O&M (Operation and Maintenance) or construction support, especially in challenging weather and sea conditions.
“We are excited to add to our existing presence in the offshore wind maintenance sector,” commented Andrian Dacy, Global Head of J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s Global Transportation Group. He added, “These latest technology Construction Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) will play a critical role in the development and delivery of renewable energy and global energy decarbonization.”
”The offshore wind industry is an important enabler to achieve the climate goals, and we believe that our fuel-efficient ships will be vital assets in this mission,” states Ulstein Group CEO Gunvor Ulstein.