First SOVs for China

The frst SOV project contains two different designs, both with the Ulstein iconic design features, the X-BOW, and the X-STERN.

The ZPMC shipyard and Ulstein Design & Solutions recently signed the ship design contract on two types of Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) for Shanghai Electric Windpower Group. These are the frst purpose made SOVs designed for the Chinese Ofshore Wind industry.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF ULSTEIN.

Ulstein Design & Solutions and Shanghai Electric have joined forces to be the frst movers into the Chinese ofshore wind Operations & Maintenance (O & M) segment. As the frst and most advanced SOVs in China, the design process was carried out based on Ulstein’s experience within ofshore wind farm O & M practice. The frst SOV project contains two diferent designs, both with the Ulstein iconic design features, the X-BOW, and the X-STERN. Accommodated with 60 POB and 100 POB respectively, these designs are the future enablers to their owner, Shanghai Electric, providing highefcient, robust, and state-of-the-art O&M service to the end customers. Both designs will focus on optimising their operational capacity, capability, and economy. With battery installed, the vessels will provide a greener footprint when servicing the renewable energy segment.

Breakthrough project

With more than 50% market share, Shanghai Electric is the largest ofshore wind turbine supplier in China and is also a large integrated equipment manufacturing enterprise. “The choice for the Ulstein design has been based on their market leadership, proven track record, and local presence. During the process of developing these concepts, Ulstein dedicates its professionalism and expertise. Close collaborations among Ulstein, the yard ZPMC, and Shanghai Electric have set a strong foundation for the projects. Shanghai Electric is the leading provider of ofshore wind turbines in China, and with these two world-class SOVs, we believe we can bring more values to our clients and provide a safer working environment to our colleagues at sea”, says Ma Chengbin, General Manager of Engineering Service Company at Shanghai Electric. Runar Muren, Manager Director of Ulstein Design & Solution, comments, “We are proud to announce this important milestone together with Shanghai Electric and ZPMC. The cooperation with ZPMC shipyard goes back to 2012 when the Ulstein DLS 4200 heavy lift vessel design was constructed there, and currently, the JSD 6000 project, another Ulstein heavy lift vessel design, is in good progress at this yard. We are looking forward to the cooperation with ZPMC and Shanghai Electric. It is an honour to be part of this break-through project. Together, we are committed to transform

With more than 50% market share, Shanghai Electric is the largest ofshore wind turbine supplier in China and is also a large integrated equipment manufacturing enterprise.

The cooperation with ZPMC shipyard goes back to 2012 when the Ulstein DLS 4200 heavy lift vessel design was constructed there.

Siem Moxie (now Seaway Moxie), was Ulstein’s frst dedicated offshore support vessel design.

innovation into safer, greener and more sustainable operations.”

Recognition

The usage of SOVs will signifcantly improve the efciency of service operations at ofshore wind farms in China, including the stages of construction support and O & M. The two designs will be reliable and environmentally friendly platforms and comfortable workplaces at sea. A lot has been taken into consideration in order to provide technicians a safe and stepless access from the vessel to the wind turbines and to ensure sufcient storage and well-organised logistics onboard the vessels. “We are honoured to be selected by Shanghai Electric and ZPMC to design the frst SOVs in China. These will be a part of a new standard for future O & M operations in China. We have been working very closely with the clients and our colleagues in Norway and will continue to further develop the Chinese ofshore wind industry”, says Johannes Røren, Managing Director at Ulstein Marine Services. “This contract marks Ulstein’s entry into the Chinese ofshore wind market, after the frst dedicated ofshore wind support vessel (Siem Moxie, now Seaway Moxie) made her entry into the European market in 2014. Ulstein has, in the years thereafter, designed and built several other O & M vessels for the European ofshore wind market. Ulstein has also developed Jones Act compliant O & M vessel designs for the US market. The entry into the Chinese and US market, as well as Ulstein’s position in the European market, is not only a milestone for each market separately, but holistically a recognition of Ulstein’s capability in the ofshore wind segment”, concludes Mr Muren.

i. ulstein.com