In September 2020, the three azimuth propulsion thrusters were installed in the cable-laying vessel 'Nexans Aurora', which is under construction at Ulstein Verft. Each thruster has an effect of 3,200 kW and a diameter of 2,900 mm.
The thrusters are part of a major delivery from Brunvoll, which also includes two bow thrusters (3,100 kW), and a retractable azimuth unit of 3,000kW.
Parallell work tasks
Multiple operations are going on at the same time during a ship construction newbuild project such as the 'Nexans Aurora'. The photo below shows the heave of one of the two tensioners, a Maats Tech delivery. The vessel is also currently being painted.
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.
Ulstein Group received the 'Teamwork of the Year 2025 Award' at the IDC conference in Ålesund on 16 October 2025. The jury stated that: "Ulstein Group has built a culture where all disciplines are equally valued. The results speak for themselves: forward-looking vessels that meet both commercial and societal goals. Ulstein demonstrates how interdisciplinary collaboration can lead to groundbreaking solutions in the maritime sector, showcasing a strong ability to bring together designers, engineers, and key personnel in developing holistic concepts that combine technology, function, and aesthetics. Collaboration across disciplines and stakeholders – from local partners to international clients – drives innovation with global impact."
In October 2025, Edda Freya called at Ulstein Verft for a mobilisation on very short notice. In addition to several minor tasks, the vessel's crane, weighing 350 tonnes, needed to be relocated.
Ulstein Verft AS