Ulstein wins design contract for installation vessels
Illustration of the FFIV which will be capable of running on methanol (Source: Ulstein)
Ulstein Design & Solutions BV has won a contract from Singapore-based Cyan Renewables to develop designs for a series of floating foundation installation vessels (FFIV). The deal comes against the backdrop of a growing shortage of heavy-lift installation vessels across the rapidly expanding offshore wind sector.
The low-emission FFIVs will have hybrid power systems comprising dual-fuel methanol engines and batteries, and will be capable of connecting to shore power facilities when available. They will be designed ready for likely developments in future foundation design, Ulstein said, with sufficient deck space and lifting capacity to meet likely requirements.
Cyan’s managing director, FFIV Division, Torgeir E. Ramstad, commented: "With their strong track record in heavy lift vessel design and a good understanding of the market constraints and requirements, Ulstein is the preferred partner to design our new vessels. Cyan Renewables will be a leading global vessel provider for offshore wind by partnering with developers and EPCI and transport and installation (T&I) contractors based on future-proof vessels in all categories."
Edwin van Leeuwen, managing director of the Ulstein design firm, said: "We are very pleased that Cyan recognises our added value and is placing their trust in us to realise their ambitions in offshore wind. Back in time, we predicted a lack of foundation installation vessels, and as developments go fast, our R&D focus has been on future-oriented FIV designs to suit the exponential growth of offshore wind."
