Ulstein's representative and the SunStone crew on the bridge of the 'Greg Mortimer'.

Preparing for the first polar adventure on the ‘Greg Mortimer’

The SunStone crew is undergoing the final preparations to start sailing the polar cruise vessel, ‘Greg Mortimer’. As a part of this, they have been trained in the use of Ulstein’s integrated automation system (IAS), power management system (PMS) and Blue Box based on the X-CONNECT® system architecture.

Published
05 September 2019
Share

The awarded X-CONNECT® tooling makes a difference for saving time and working smarter. The X-CONNECT® system is a universal digital platform for marine automation, control and monitoring. It combines the digital possibilities in ship intelligence to make your business smarter, safer and greener. All functionalities are predefined and configurable supporting the work philosophy; configure, plug and play, to set a new standard regarding flexibility and scalability.

The SunStone project is the first cruise ship featuring Ulstein's Blue Box. The Blue Box collects the ship data and enables analysis and decision support for smarter and safer operations. Analysing the ship data coming from the Blue Box give several eco benefits like fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. It also enables safer operations due to automatic reporting, reduction of human habits and errors, as well as giving excellent input for optimisation of vessel and fleet operations.

Ulstein has so far delivered 20 IAS systems and seven Blue Box systems based on the X-CONNECT platform. The SunStone project is also the first delivery of ULSTEIN PMSbased on X-CONNECT.

The X-CONNECT-platform has been designed for reducing complexity in delivery projects, and changes are easy to manage. The system can be configured to order with predefined functionalities. They typically represent physically controllable components, systems, configurable logics and custom auto functions. The functionalities are easy to configure, and integrate all necessary aspects of signalling, alarming, logics, failure management and user interface in configurable components.

Latest news

Yno 317 Nexans Electra in dock hall partly painted ULS 03508 DJI 20250919133134 0044 D
Feature

Behind the scenes: The construction of the cable-laying vessel Nexans Electra

The shipbuilding construction of Nexans Electra is approaching its final phase in the dock, before the comprehensive work continues quayside ahead of sea trials in spring 2026. How do you organise a staff of hundreds of workers, subcontractors and suppliers over several months to deliver the project on time and within budget? Join project manager Runar Toftesund at Ulstein Verft for a look behind the scenes.

Blue Ctrl personnel testing one of the operation stations
Update

New Managing Director at Blue Ctrl

The Ålesund-based company Blue Ctrl is making strategic changes to its leadership to strengthen its continued growth and position within the maritime technology sector. On 1 November, Marielle Furnes Mannseth will assume the role of Managing Director of the company.

Greg Mortimer's X-BOW cutting the seas, photo: Scott Portelli/Aurora Expeditions.
Feature

Aurora Expeditions: Redefining small-ship exploration with X-BOW® designs

Aurora Expeditions welcomed its third X-BOW cruise vessel, Douglas Mawson, in September 2025. “Many of our guests have travelled on other expedition ships before and immediately notice the difference. Whether it’s sleeping better at night, feeling less vibration during lectures, or spending more time in observation areas, the design truly enhances the experience,” says Katie Malone, Chief Marketing Officer at Aurora Expeditions, when commenting on the X-BOW design feature.