New CSOVs cut fuel burn by almost half
Olympic Notos joins its sister vessel, which was delivered in July
(Source: Ulstein)
Norway’s Olympic Subsea ASA has commissioned the second construction service operation vessel (CSOV), Olympic Notos, built by Ulstein Verft and incorporating the shipbuilder’s Twin X-Stern system. The first vessel, Olympic Boreas, has been working for BP in the North Sea prior to being deployed on an offshore wind project there. It has notched up fuel and emissions savings of close to 50%.
The Twin X-Stern system comprises four main thrusters fore and aft in a symmetrical dual-stern hull. This enables flexible operation when operating in dynamic positioning (DP2) mode. The vessels have diesel-electric propulsion system with variable speed, hybrid battery power, energy storage and smart energy management to maximise fuel economy.
The ships, based on Ulstein Designs & Solutions’ SX222 design, are designed to work in the offshore energy sector. The 89.6m-long vessels are equipped with heave motion-compensated gangways for the transfer of personnel and cargo at different heights, and have accommodation for 126 people in 91 cabins.
Runar Stave, chief technical officer at Olympic explained that the thruster configuration, combined with variable speed capability, is the main factor that boosts energy efficiency. The setup allows precise multi-directional positioning control with optimal use of thruster power to save fuel.
“Furthermore,” he said, “high manoeuvrability with the multi-thruster system enables enhanced seakeeping and stability in variable sea states, which contributes to greater operational efficiency and improved safety with gangway crew transfers. Less noise and vibration from reduced thruster usage also give a more comfortable on-board experience for the crew in accommodation of hotel standard.”
