New heavy-lift vessel to be built to Ulstein design

The new heavy-lift vessel for offshore wind foundation installations
(Source: Ulstein)
Rotterdam-based Ulstein Design & Solutions BV, retained by Japanese engineering contractor, Penta-Ocean Construction, has designed a new heavy-lift vessel for offshore wind foundation installation. The Ulstein HX118 vessel, to be built at Seatrium in Singapore, will have a 5,000-tonne Huisman main crane and the Norwegian shipbuilder’s distinctive U-SternTM, enabling the installation of large monopile foundations.
Ulstein’s U-Stern enables longitudinal storage and upending of monopiles along the ship’s centreline. Longer units can be safely handled without overhanging the ship’s sides. The vessel can lie bow-on to the waves during installation, minimising motions and saving fuel, the design company said.
The design features a flush working deck, large lifting capacity, high-quality accommodation, and dynamic positioning capability. It will be the largest vessel built to date with the shipbuilder’s X-Bow®.
The partners have been working on the ‘basic design’ of the heavy-lift ship since last summer. Extensive model tests have now been carried out.
Lead designer at Ulstein Design & Solutions, Ko Stroo, said: “We are honoured that Penta-Ocean Construction chose us to design their new heavy-lift vessel. This project represents a powerful collaboration between Penta-Ocean Construction, Ulstein and Huisman to design this most capable monopile installation vessel. As the project moves forward with its construction at the Seatrium shipyard, Singapore, we remain committed to supporting the parties throughout the construction phase.”