PHOTOS: First Look at New Ulstein X-STERN Hull

The first of two ULSTEIN SX175 offshore wind service operation vessels arrives at Ulstein Verft in Ulsteinvik, January 3, 2016. Photo: Don Johansson/Ulstein

The first of two new Service Operation Vessels (SOV) featuring the new Ulstein X-Stern arrived at the Ulstein Verft shipyard in Ulsteinvik, Norway after making the trek from Poland where the hulls are being construction.

The vessel is first to feature the new X-Stern hull designed by Ulstein.

The two vessels are being built for Bernhard Schulte Offshore/WINDEA for work in the offshore wind industry supporting wind farm operations and maintenance, technician accommodation and transport, and safe reliable access to offshore installations.

The X-STERN was first introduced in 2014 as the successor to Ulstein’s popular X-BOW hull. The X-STERN is designed so that a vessel can be positioned with the stern faced towards the weather instead of the bow, leading to improved weather resistance, greater operability and reduced power and fuel consumption while on DP mode.

Ulstein received the order for the vessels in January 2015 by Germany-based Bernhard Schulte through its offshore wind affiliate WINDEA Offshore, marking the first order for the X-STERN hull. 

After final outfitting and sea trials, the vessel is expected to begin work at the Gemini wind farm in the Netherlands for SIEMENS Wind Power Service.

Vessel Particulars: Length 88 m, breadth 18 m, speed 13.5 knots and accommodation for 60 people.