Olympic orders two, option two, CSOVs at Ulstein

Norway’s Ulstein Verft AS has won a deal with compatriot subsea and renewables shipowner, Olympic, for up to four construction service operation vessels (CSOVs). The 89.6m-long methanol-ready ships will be based on Ulstein’s SX222 design with Twin X-Stern and four propellers. They will have diesel-electric propulsion with variable speed, and large battery energy storage systems.

Olympic CEO, Stig Remøy, commented on the hull configuration: “The Twin X-Stern is a smart concept,” he said, “optimised for low energy consumption. During operation, the offshore wind service vessels stay positioned at the turbines most of the time, and with the main propellers fore and aft, these vessels will reduce the energy requirement to a new level when on DP.”

He also referred to the maritime cluster on Norway’s north-west coast, of which both companies are members. “As a shipowner in the Norwegian maritime cluster, it is important for us to invest in this cluster. With a shipyard, ship designer, suppliers and Vartdal Invest as a co-investor, this is a project with a strong local ownership.”

Ulstein Group CEO, Cathrine Kristiseter Marti, said the contracts were a result of pragmatic and good cooperation between the parties. “We are excited to be working with Olympic again, an important and innovative player in the Norwegian maritime cluster and a company that we have had the pleasure of working with for many years, through many complex and successful projects,” she said.

The two firm vessels are due for delivery over spring and summer 2024.