The vessel will support offshore wind construction, operations and maintenance activities, providing accommodation and logistical support for personnel working offshore.
The new SOV will be based on the proven SX222 design and will accommodate up to 120 people. The vessel will have a length of 89.6 metres and a beam of 19.2 metres.
Featuring Ulstein’s TWIN X-STERN® hull design, the vessel is designed for high manoeuvrability, efficient station-keeping and reduced energy consumption. The symmetrical hull shape and propulsion arrangement allow the vessel to operate efficiently in either direction. This reduces the need to turn when weather conditions change and supports a wider operational window.
The vessel will be prepared for methanol and fully electric operations, providing flexibility to adopt lower-emission energy solutions. It will have double classification from DNV and CR and sail under the Taiwan flag.
The TWIN X-STERN holds highly efficient station-keeping capabilities.
Left and right: Rolf Petter Almli and Åsmund Eide (Ulstein Design & Solutions AS), in the middle: Daiki Nakayama, NYK Line.
PaxOcean expands its position in specialised offshore wind vessel construction
This contract is an important project for PaxOcean Group as we strengthen our capabilities in specialised vessel construction. Together with NYK and Ulstein, we have worked closely and purposefully over time to develop a vessel that meets the customer's operational requirements and the evolving needs of the offshore wind industry,
says Sidat Senanayake, Group Head of Commercial at PaxOcean.
For PaxOcean, it is also significant that we are establishing a strong foothold in a segment of tonnage that directly contributes to and enables sustainable solutions. This is an important step in our continued development and in positioning ourselves for the green transition taking place across the maritime industry.
Comprehensive design and equipment scope
We look forward to working closely with PaxOcean and NYK on the realisation of this vessel. This contract represents an important milestone for Ulstein and demonstrates the relevance of our vessel designs and system solutions in the growing offshore wind market in Asia,
says Rolf Petter Almli, sales manager at Ulstein Design & Solutions AS.
Ulstein Design & Solutions AS will provide the vessel design and engineering package, while Ulstein Power & Control AS will deliver a fully integrated DC-based hybrid power and automation system, ensuring seamless integration between the vessel design, power generation, energy storage, propulsion, and control systems.
By combining ship design, engineering, system integration, and main equipment into a single delivery, Ulstein will contribute to a coordinated and efficient shipbuilding process. Ulstein’s multidisciplinary teams will work closely with the shipyard and shipowner to optimise the vessel as a complete system.
The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2029.
| Main particulars | |
|---|---|
| Shipyard: | PaxOcean Graha Yard Batam |
| Designer: | Ulstein Design & Solutions AS |
| Design type: | ULSTEIN SX222 |
| Vessel type: | Service operation vessel (SOV) |
| Length overall: | 89.6 metres |
| Beam: | 19.2 metres |
| Accommodation: | 120 people |
| System integration: | Ulstein Power & Control AS |
| Classification: | DNV and CR |
| Flag: | Taiwan |
| Energy preparation: | Methanol and fully electric operations |
PaxOcean Graha Yard Batam
Ulstein Design & Solutions AS
ULSTEIN SX222
Service operation vessel (SOV)
89.6 metres
19.2 metres
120 people
Ulstein Power & Control AS
DNV and CR
Taiwan
Methanol and fully electric operations
About PaxOcean
PaxOcean is a member of Kuok Group Singapore. The PaxOcean Group owns and operates five shipyards across Singapore, Indonesia and China, and also manages an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) facility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
With extensive technical expertise and integrated capabilities, PaxOcean supports the full life cycle of maritime and offshore assets through a comprehensive suite of services, including shipbuilding, conversions and retrofits, repairs and maintenance, module fabrication, decommissioning and green recycling.
About NYK Line
Founded in 1885, NYK Line is a global logistics company that focuses on various forms of marine transportation, such as global logistics and bulk energy transportation, among many other related businesses. Operating one of the world's largest transportation networks, the company owns and operates a diverse fleet of more than 900 vessels, including car carriers, container carriers, and energy carriers. In recent years, we have actively entered new business areas, including the decarbonization business, by leveraging the knowledge and technology we have cultivated over many decades in shipping. Through innovative technology development and business creation, we will provide new value that transcends the boundaries of the shipping business and contributes to the realisation of a sustainable society.
About Ulstein
Ulstein is an internationally renowned provider of ship designs, shipbuilding and system solutions for the maritime industry. The company combines maritime expertise, innovative technology and integrated solutions to create vessels that deliver lasting value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An SOV, or service operation vessel, is a purpose-built ship that supports the operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms once they are in production. It stays on field for long periods, housing technicians who transfer daily to turbines using a motion-compensated walk-to-work gangway. Dynamic positioning, onboard workshops and spare part storage keep maintenance work running through the seasons with less reliance on shore.
The TWIN X-STERN is Ulstein's patented hull design. Its symmetric hull shape behaves more efficiently in harsh weather conditions. Four azimuth thrusters, two at each end, increase the manouverability. The azimuths have higher efficiency by being capable of turning the thrust directly in the direction of the waves and current. The combination of thrusters and hull design result in lower energy consumption and reduced motions, and therefore higher operability and comfort.
Ulstein has designed or redesigned 23 walk-to-work vessels to date, of which 21 are currently in operation. These vessels collectively service more than 5,000 turbines every year, with over 95,000 gangway connections annually. Ulstein was one of the first movers in this segment, starting with the Seaway Moxie, delivered in 2014.
Walk-to-Work means personnel can walk directly from the vessel to an offshore structure, such as a wind turbine, using a motion-compensated gangway. Before this technology, technicians relied on small craft and had to climb ladders, which was limited by wave height. Walk-to-work gangways allow transfers in rougher seas, adding weeks or even months of operational time each year. It is safer, faster and more efficient.
Offshore wind operations often require vessels to work close to turbines while personnel, equipment and spare parts are transferred. Dynamic positioning allows the vessel to maintain a precise and stable position despite changing weather and sea conditions. This is essential for safe Walk-to-Work operations, as even small movements can affect the gangway connection. Reliable DP improves safety, increases operational uptime and helps maintenance work continue in a wider range of conditions.
A motion-compensated gangway is a stabilised bridge mounted on a vessel that connects to an offshore structure such as a wind turbine. Sensors continuously measure the vessel's movement in all directions. Hydraulic or electric actuators then adjust the gangway in real time to cancel out that movement, keeping the gangway tip steady against the fixed structure. This allows personnel to walk safely between the vessel and the turbine.
