On 25 January 2022, the ZPMC shipyard, China, and Ulstein Design & Solutions AS signed the ship design contract on two types of Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) for Shanghai Electric Windpower Group. These are the first purpose-made SOVs designed for the Chinese Offshore Wind industry.

A keel-laying ceremony has been held for the ‘Ocean Albatros’, SunStone Ships’ new expedition cruise vessel, at the CMHI shipyard, China, on 20 January 2022. The ship is number six in the INFINITY class of X-BOW expedition ships, all designed by Ulstein.

The shipowning company Norside has taken ownership of Blue Ship Invest’s platform supply vessel ‘Farland’ and will convert it into a walk-to-work vessel for the offshore wind industry.

Ulstein has developed a ship with two sterns and main propeller units in each corner, ideally for offshore operations requiring continuous positioning. “The TWIN X-STERN is extremely manoeuvrable, comfortable to be on board and very environmentally friendly,” says Øyvind Gjerde Kamsvåg, Chief Designer at Ulstein.

Following the introduction of our first hydrogen fuelled, zero emission design in 2019, we now reveal our vision towards a marine hydrogen future. Where the ULSTEIN SX190 showcased that zero emission ships can be realised with today’s off-the-shelf technology, we now map the way to a hydrogen fuelled marine industry.

The urgent push for more renewable energy production to achieve climate goals translates into many new offshore wind projects. Simultaneously, ambitious climate goals also call for vessels to be developed with solutions for zero-emission operations.

In order to comply with regulations, as well as minimise environmental impact, cruise operators will need new technical solutions. The ULSTEIN ZED power system allows cruise operators to visit vulnerable and protected areas without greenhouse gas emissions and local pollution.

The Norway-based shipowner OHT recently celebrated the keel laying of their Alfa Lift heavy installation vessel. Custom-designed by Ulstein, the foundation installation vessel will serve the early development stage of new offshore wind farms. Ulstein has ship solutions for all phases in the life of offshore wind farms.

In cooperation with shipowner Bernhard Schulte, Ulstein Design & Solutions has designed a diesel-electric propulsion system assisted by batteries to reduce operating hours on the main engines, save fuel and reduce environmental footprint. The hybrid system has been installed on the WINDEA JULES VERNE at Ulstein Verft.