Schulte returns to Ulstein for more offshore wind ships

Bernard Schulte Offshore has signed a contract with Norway’s Ulstein Verft for two, option four, commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) of the Ulstein SX222 design. The 89.6m-long ships will have Ulstein’s Twin X-Stern design with two sterns and two propellers both fore and aft.

The hull configuration aids precise dynamic positioning operation regardless of whether the vessels face wind and waves in a head sea, or the weather comes from astern. There is no impact on speed; fuel efficiency is optimised; and motions are kept to a minimum. This is key factor for the comfort of technicians who require good-quality rest in one of 110 single cabins. The vessel has total accommodation for 132 persons.

Matthias Müller, the shipowner’s managing director, said: “The reliability and characteristics in design and construction work that we have experienced in previous newbuilding and conversion projects have led us to Ulstein again. Their commitment to innovation and the outstanding quality of the Ulstein shipyard were key factors in our decision. The excellent reputation of our existing fleet of Ulstein service operation vessels shows that the market appreciates their criteria.”

Kolbjørn Moldskred, sales manager at Ulstein Verft, commented: “After the first newbuild contracts in 2015 and again in 2018, and the upgrade of the Windea Leibniz which we completed this year, we are very pleased to now sign a shipbuilding contract at Ulstein Verft for vessel number 4 and 5 for Bernhard Schulte Offshore. There is a great cooperation spirit between the parties, and we are looking forward to working together once more. The vessels are planned for delivery in 2025, and we will do our utmost to live up to the owner's expectations.”

Meanwhile, the shipbuilding group’s CEO, Cathrine Kristiseter Martie, declared: “The energy transition is crucial to achieving the climate goals, and the offshore wind industry plays a significant role in this transition. We believe these new CSOVs will serve Bernhard Schulte Offshore well in the coming years, as do the previous three we have designed and delivered to them. We appreciate working with Bernhard Schulte Offshore again and the trust they place in us.”