Since the hull arrived at Ulstein Verft just under four months ago, thousands of hours have been invested in this complex project, currently lighting up the dock hall with its striking red colour.
The project manager’s task list is seemingly endless:
We’ve completed the installation of the stern cable-laying wheels and most of the below-deck carousel. We’re now working on the main carousel, have installed the main engines in the engine room, and painted all tanks and the vessel’s exterior. The interior outfitting is well underway. All decks have been cast and levelled, cranes have been mounted, the capstan has been installed, and we’re in the process with the tensioners – the systems that control the high-voltage cable during operations. All switchboards are installed, and cable connections are ongoing. Most of the insulated piping is in place, while hydraulic and other smaller piping are underway. All isometric pipes have been cut and built; foundations for all components are in place. Exhaust pipes have been installed, following insulation and cladding – the latter referring to the application of protective casing. And the thruster room is nearly complete.
Launch from the dock hall
There are still several months to go before delivery. The 149.9-metre-long vessel is now undergoing final preparations before she will be launched and positioned quayside. She will be connected to the newly installed shore power system, providing a stable and safe source of clean energy during the final outfitting phase.
The key to delivering complex projects
We asked project manager Runar Toftesund at Ulstein Verft what it’s like to lead such a large project with so many involved parties.
It’s a major project, and having a strong team around you is essential. For us as a shipyard, close collaboration with the shipowner is a decisive factor. Nexans is experienced and knowledgeable – demanding, but structured, organised and clear. They have solid routines and rules for how things should be done, and they know what they want. Nexans is solution-oriented and works with us to drive the project forward. Decisions must be confirmed in writing to maintain momentum, which is critical in a project of this scale. We’re delivering this vessel together.
Toftesund further explains that collaboration between the various disciplines at the yard is also vital:
There are a lot of work tasks, and having a great team is crucial. We have access to all disciplines at Ulstein Verft and Ulstein Elektro Installasjon, including procurement, electrical, steel, outfitting, machinery, painting, rigging, maintenance, and service. We put all our efforts into being reliable and delivering as agreed, which requires strong cooperation across Ulstein as an organisation, with our suppliers, and the customer. Together, we aim to deliver the right quality, at the right budget, and at the right time.
A continued partnership
This is not the first time Nexans and Ulstein have collaborated on a major project. In 2021, Ulstein delivered the cable-laying vessel Nexans Aurora. Nexans’ project manager Frode Beyer is once again based at Ulstein Verft for much of the project period.
We’ve been focused on building a strong collaboration with our two main suppliers: Ulstein and NOV. We’re keen to leverage the relationship and experience we already have from delivering Nexans Aurora. We know the culture – both the people and the companies. It’s incredibly rewarding to work with professionals who are passionate about their work and excel in team settings. Making multidisciplinary teams function takes effort. You need to get to know each other and learn to respect each other’s boundaries. Both parties have been committed to finding mutually beneficial solutions and being transparent and clear about their expectations and requirements. We’re also able to use Nexans Aurora as a reference in some areas. We’ve benefited from some repetition in the engineering and procurement phases, but there are also new system developments – after all, it’s been five years since the last project. We’ve also brought in lessons learned from operations, and that requires a supplier and project partner who is willing to explore solutions and do things properly.
The role of the project manager
As the shipowner’s project manager, Frode Beyer’s role is to follow up on the plans from Ulstein and NOV, review technical solutions, and provide clarifications.
Runar Toftesund’s role is different. A typical day begins with a morning meeting. The team reviews the status, plans the day’s work, discusses challenges, coordinates and allocates resources to ensure all departments can work as efficiently as possible. A walk-through on board with the assistant project managers often follows this. The rest of the day may include various meetings, resource planning and reporting.
In the Nexans Aurora project, Toftesund held the role of Bid Manager, involved only during the contract phase.
This time, I’m involved throughout. The transition has been both interesting and educational – it provides valuable insight into our core mission: building ships and creating a product together with the customer,
he concludes.
