Heavy Offshore Construction

In February 2025, Ulstein introduced the innovative SX250 design, a vessel specifically engineered to excel in wave heights up to 2 metres Hs. This strategic design choice aligns perfectly with real-world operational data, revealing that 94.2% of walk-to-work (w2w) operations occur in conditions with wave heights below 2 metres. 

In the competitive world of cruise ship ownership, making smart investments is crucial. Ulstein's innovative cruise ship designs offer unparalleled value, combining efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Here's nine reasons why investing in Ulstein's cruise vessels benefit ship owners, operators and passengers.

On 11 March 2025, the hull of yard number (Yno) 321 for BS Offshore arrived at Ulstein Verft. This marks the beginning of a new phase in the shipbuilding process. The vessel is designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS for ‘walk-to-work’ (W2W) operations, where personnel walks via a motion-compensated gangway from the ship to a wind turbine.

BS Offshore and Ulstein Verft has passed a significant milestone with the launch of the Yno 320, a state-of-the-art Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV). 

The Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel (AHTS) "Odin Viking" arrived at Ulstein Verft on 1 February 2025 to install a brand-new Launch & Recovery system (L-LARS) from Evotec, a supplier based in Ulsteinvik.

Offshore wind farms are currently serviced using Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) or helicopters for day operations, and Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) for extended periods. What if there were a CAPEX-smart design that reduces building costs by over 50% compared to an SOV and supplement the SOVs on most tasks? 

Penta-Ocean Construction, a prominent Japanese general contractor, has commissioned Ulstein Design & Solutions B.V. to design its new heavy lift vessel for offshore wind foundation installation. The customised ULSTEIN HX118 design will feature a 5,000-ton Huisman main crane and the ULSTEIN U-STERN™, which enables the installation of increasingly larger monopile foundations.

In a landmark deal, Ulstein Design & Solutions AS has secured its largest aftermarket design contract to date for the cable-laying vessel Orient Adventurer. The contract, awarded by Dong Fang Offshore (DFO), involves both basic design and engineering provided by several of the companies in Ulstein. 

In close collaboration with Heerema, Ulstein Design & Solutions BV has provided engineering services for integrating the innovative motion-compensated gripper frame (MCGF) on Heerema Marine Contractors’ ‘SSCV Thialf’. This technology is key to efficiently installing large monopiles for offshore wind farms, driving progress in the renewable energy sector. The semi-submersible crane vessel is essential in advancing offshore wind technology, aiding the construction of future wind farms essential for the global energy transition.