An award for teamwork goes directly to the core of us. This award acknowledges the people at Ulstein. Our people are our most important asset, and this is a tribute to everyone who works hard every day to innovate in products and solutions, contribute to and further develop the maritime market, and engage customers and the maritime cluster as a whole. I would also like to thank our customers: Without brave clients who dare to adopt our innovations and solutions, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
The nomination from the jury also highlighted design development projects such as the SX250 and U-STERN (HX118), along with Ulstein Verft’s collaboration with Larsnes Mek. Verksted and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS), which confirm Ulstein’s role as a developer of future maritime solutions.
The jury highlights a clear focus on green technology, hybrid propulsion, and optimisation for offshore wind and defence.
Designs such as ECOFIVE and ULSTEIN THOR demonstrate a commitment to thinking beyond conventional boundaries and exploring alternative energy sources for the future of shipping.
Close interdisciplinary collaboration ensures that technical, operational, and human considerations are evaluated collectively – resulting in holistic and forward-looking solutions. This approach also extends beyond the group - to customers, suppliers, research communities, and other partners, nationally and internationally. This culture of cooperation and knowledge sharing is a central part of Ulstein’s identity and a key reason why Design Region Sunnmøre previously awarded the company Industrial Design Company of the Year. Through its work, Ulstein demonstrates that innovation is not just about technology, but about the people who develop it. Success is built on the ability to combine experience, creativity, and interdisciplinary understanding – from idea and design to finished vessel. At a time when the maritime industry faces major changes related to climate, security, and energy transition, Ulstein is a clear example of how Norwegian design and engineering can lead the way in developing solutions that shape the future of the ocean space.
How Ulstein approached the various projects: Strategic collaboration and innovation in practice
X-BOW, ECOFIVE and THOR
X-BOW and ECOFIVE are innovations developed and realised in close collaboration with the customer. ULSTEIN THOR is a thorium-powered concept vessel where Ulstein’s design team aims to create a zero-emission solution for the future.
Frigates
In the frigate collaboration with tkMS, Ulstein mobilised broad teams across disciplines to showcase its expertise in building and completing defence vessels. Although the frigate contract did not go to Sunnmøre, Ulstein has clearly positioned itself within the defence industry.
Standard vessels
Together with Larsnes Mek. Verksted, Ulstein is collaborating on the Norwegian Navy’s standard vessels – a new approach where two modern shipyards with complementary strengths join forces to meet the Armed Forces’ needs. Both have modern facilities with covered dry docks and extensive experience in newbuilds and aftermarket services.
Ship designs
SX250 and HX118 represent another type of collaboration – where interdisciplinary teams in the design area develop future-oriented solutions by asking “What if?” and seeking new answers to the customer’s complex challenges.
SX250
The SX250 design gives shipowners flexibility: with several smaller SX250 support vessels, technicians can be transported to turbines, while one larger CSOV vessel can serve as a hotel and base. SX250 is ideal for small to medium-sized offshore wind farms, shallow waters, and summer maintenance. Material and fuel consumption is lower, and SX250 reduces CAPEX and OPEX by at least 50% compared to CSOV/SOV.
HX118
Offshore wind installations are taking place in deeper waters, and monopiles are getting longer. The vessels transport the monopiles across the ship and install them from the side, making operations vulnerable to weather and wind.
The U-STERN vessel HX118 features a U-shaped stern that shields against the elements, enabling the ship, with its X-BOW bow design, to maintain dynamic positioning with the bow facing the weather. Monopiles are transported lengthwise along the vessel and can be raised and lowered into the sea over the stern. This results in significant reductions in power consumption and makes installation work much safer and more efficient. Penta Ocean has contracted the first vessel of this type, and the construction project has recently started with steel cutting.
(IDC = Innovation, Design & Collaboration)
