In February 2025, Ulstein introduced the innovative SX250 design, a vessel specifically engineered to excel in wave heights up to 2 metres Hs. This strategic design choice aligns perfectly with real-world operational data, revealing that 94.2% of walk-to-work (w2w) operations occur in conditions with wave heights below 2 metres. 

Offshore wind farms are currently serviced using Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) or helicopters for day operations, and Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) for extended periods. What if there were a CAPEX-smart design that reduces building costs by over 50% compared to an SOV and supplement the SOVs on most tasks? 

In close collaboration with Heerema, Ulstein Design & Solutions BV has provided engineering services for integrating the innovative motion-compensated gripper frame (MCGF) on Heerema Marine Contractors’ ‘SSCV Thialf’. This technology is key to efficiently installing large monopiles for offshore wind farms, driving progress in the renewable energy sector. The semi-submersible crane vessel is essential in advancing offshore wind technology, aiding the construction of future wind farms essential for the global energy transition.

The Offshore Oil & Gas (OO&G) sector is experiencing a resurgence, driven by stable oil prices and a focus on efficiency and sustainability. This recovery has led to robust cash flows and new investments, especially in upstream activities, presenting an opportunity to integrate environmentally friendly practices.

Aptly nicknamed ‘A 4-wheel-drive for the seas’, the ULSTEIN TWIN X-STERN is celebrated for its exceptional manoeuvrability. To date, this innovative feature has been incorporated into ten newbuilds, all designed for the walk-to-work market and measuring up to 90m in length. The next likely segments to adopt the TWIN X-STERN are subsea and cable-laying. 

In the vast expanse of offshore wind energy, cable-laying vessels are essential—the silent architects of our renewable future. As wind farms grow larger and more ambitious, the demand for efficient cable installations has intensified. Enter the ULSTEIN SX225, a vessel designed to tackle the challenges head-on.

The offshore vessel market is experiencing a surge of optimism thanks to high growth rates and the highest-ever backlog of major subsea EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractors. 

On 19 January 2024, on the day four months after signing the shipbuilding contract, Nexans Marine Operations AS and Ulstein Verft could celebrate the start of the construction of Nexans’ next cable laying vessel. Attending the steel cutting ceremony at the Crist hull yard were representatives from Nexans, Ulstein Verft, DNV and Crist.

Fulfilling the increasing needs of the offshore wind transportation sector

Ulstein Design & Solutions AS has been contracted for the conceptual design of a cable laying and repair vessel.  

On 20 July 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden attended the steel-cutting ceremony of the subsea rock installation (SRI) vessel 'Acadia', under construction at Philly Shipyard. Designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions B.V., this will be the first of its kind U.S.-built vessel.

Bernhard Schulte Offshore returns to Ulstein Verft for the design and construction of two Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) of the ULSTEIN SX222 design. 

The DP3 Cable Laying Vessel, Nexans Aurora’, was named at Ulstein Verft on 8 June 2021. The lady sponsor is Mrs Anne Lise Aukner, former Managing Director of Nexans Norway.

The final milestone of the Aurora construction adventure was reached today, on 31 May 2021, when the DP3 Cable Lay Vessel ‘Nexans Aurora’, the state-of-the-art flagship of the Nexans fleet, was delivered from Ulstein Verft.

Snow-covered mountain tops, green hillsides and a bright sun on a blue sky make a perfect frame for the lady in red, the CLV vessel ‘Nexans Aurora’, on her sea trial. A sunny mood also characterizes the atmosphere on board the vessel.