Shortage of offshore wind vessel capacity for foundation installation and transportation ahead
With approximately 380 GW of offshore wind power expected to be added in the next ten years across 32 markets, there will likely be a tonnage deficit for installation and transport vessels by 2025 and 2026, with the greatest demand occurring between 2028 and 2030.
There is a simple certainty to remember:
Without an installed foundation in place, there will be no wind farm.
Fulfilling the need for next-generation heavy lift vessels for foundation installation
Ulstein Design & Solutions B.V. has taken the challenge of developing effective solutions to support the offshore wind sector.
Building on decades of proven track record in heavy lift vessel design, we have developed the ULSTEIN HX122 and the ULSTEIN HX118. Both designs feature an ULSTEIN X-BOW® and a high-capacity crane, up to 8,000 or 5,000 tonnes, respectively, enabling contractors to install the next-generation monopiles or jacket foundations efficiently.
ULSTEIN U-STERN
Furthermore, both designs can be executed with the patent-pending
ULSTEIN U-STERN, a unique solution that enables the installation of increasingly large next-generation monopile foundations. The U-STERN enables longitudinal storage of monopiles and longitudinal upending in the aft ship centre line. This allows the vessel to head into the waves during the installation process, minimising ship motions and cutting fuel consumption by as much as 50% and providing safer lifting operations offshore.
These designs allow our clients to keep pace with the rapid growth of wind turbine foundations in a secure, sustainable, and affordable way.
Filling the gap of the increasing logistics requirements of offshore wind components transportation
The current fleet of heavy transport vessels does not meet the increasing demand for transporting offshore wind components nor fulfil the sustainable targets that the market aims for in terms of efficiency and low emissions.
Ulstein Design & Solutions B.V. has developed the ULSTEIN HX121, which features a ULSTEIN X-BOW to improve seakeeping, maximise deck space, and optimise fuel consumption per transported component.
To meet market demand for low-emission vessels, the ULSTEIN HX121 is designed to also run on methanol, which can significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Cutting-edge engineering consultancy services
We provide a wide range of highly specialised technical design consulting services to fully define our clients’ unique technical challenges, offering response-focused advice and support. We aim to assist our clients during their ships' various life cycle stages, starting at design, during shipbuilding and the operational phases. Over the years, we have been involved in design consultancy projects for many customers, several of whom have become returning customers.
Our deep pool of expertise across Ulstein Group means we collaborate closely with our clients to provide technical support on vessel upgrades and conversion projects. Our broad range of studies and advanced analysis work commonly includes vessel stability, motion analysis, structural upgrades, fatigue analysis, crane upgrades, and fuel optimisation studies.
One example of such services is our long-term cooperation with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. LLC (GLDD). After executing the concept and basic design for their Jones Act-compliant rock installation vessel, “Acadia,” we supported GLDD during the detail design and shipbuilding phase at Philly Shipyard.
Design of innovative ships for the offshore energy sector
Our fundamental principles revolve around our passion for ship design and active participation in collaborative projects. These cooperative endeavours typically involve a triangular relationship among ship owners, equipment suppliers and us as ship designers.
As the global design leader in the complex construction vessel sector, we have established a strong reputation for providing our clients with cutting-edge offshore ship designs that make their visions a reality.
The needs of our clients and changing markets motivate us to develop and deliver our designs. In addition to new-build designs, we provide design consultancy and contribute to vessel upgrades and conversion projects.
A global maritime need for experienced and innovative ship design partners
The Ulstein Design & Solutions B.V. team in Rotterdam works to solve the challenges of the demanding offshore energy market. We expect exciting times ahead with the project backlog in offshore wind, the global drive to make marine operations greener, and the market pull from different segments of the existing global fleet.
