Ulstein delivers SOV to BS Offshore

Ordered in 2015, the vessel will work at the Gemini offshore wind park in the Netherlands for the German engineering giant Siemens.
During sea trials, the bridge crew noted the vessel’s smooth motions and very low levels of noise and vibrations, Ulstein said. According to the shipbuilder, the newly developed X-Stern aft hull design gives the SOV flexibility. It said the vessel kept up high speed forward and also when backing, and was easily manoeuvred both ways.
The 88m-long, 18m-wide SOV has two means of transferral to wind turbines: an integrated Uptime heave-compensated gangway system and a daughter craft with a capacity of ten people. Spare parts and equipment can be transported in containers, six of which can be placed on deck and six below. There is accommodation for 60 people in single cabins, 40 of which are for technicians.
Ulstein said the BlueDrive PlusC™ electric propulsion system from Siemens lowered operational costs by cutting the engine time at the rated speed and reducing the number of electrical components required. Emissions are reduced by optimising combustion. The X-Stern and the X-Bow are hull design features that enhance operability through positive effects on station-keeping, wave response, comfort and safety, and with reduced power and fuel consumption while on DP, Ulstein said.