Ulstein’s medium-sized platform supply newbuilds

Ulstein Verft announced earlier this week two medium-sized platform supply vessels of Ulstein´s PX121 design for a newly established company in Ulstein Group.  The ships are optimized for certain types of operations, they are adapted to the requirements for longer and deeper boreholes, and activities further from land.

The ships have a length of 83.4 metres and beam of 18 metres. They have a cargo deck of 875 square metres and load capacity of 4200 tonnes (dwt). Good tank capacities, flexible and segregated arrangement, these multi-functional vessels will be able to work very well for many types of supply contracts. Both the hull and propulsion system are deliberately chosen to be particularly well suited for the North Sea and the North Atlantic. The ships meet the requirements of Clean Design, and have treatment systems for ballast water and are prepared for fire-fighting class Fi-Fi 2. Beyond the usual tanks for oil, water and drilling fluids, the vessels have four stainless steel tanks for flammable liquids, such as methanol.

The ships will reach a speed of at least 15 knots, but the vessels are optimized for low fuel consumption at a speed of 12 knots. They are equipped for 24 persons in 17 cabins, with modern accommodation. The two ships will be build numbers 291 and 294 at Ulstein Verft.

“We have analyzed the market to make the right choices for Ulstein Group. We strongly believe that there will be an increased demand for this type of medium-sized platform supply vessels, “says Ulstein Group´s CEO Gunvor Ulstein.  “On the basis of competence, quality and benchmarking of prices, Ulstein Verft is competitive, and it is an advantage  that we can use our own yard to build the first vessels in this series. Ulstein Verft has had attractive delivery time frames as such  the ships will be completed at a period where  the market will need this type of tonnage.”

Tore Ulstein, head of Design and Solutions area adds, “we have been focusing on an efficient hull design and a conscious choice of propulsion systems to minimize fuel consumption and emissions. The vessels are built with the X-BOW^® hull design that is particularly well suited for this type of vessel. A bow of this type will in good weather offer the same efficiency as a traditional bow with a bulb, but over a large variation in depth foregoing. This is particularly important for vessels that operate with varying loads such as a PSV often does. In addition, the X-BOW^® has unique characteristics in terms of motion and propulsion efficiency in heavy seas, and this is a positive contribution to the well-being on board, as well as efficiency.”

“Ulstein Verft´s order book is now filled until end of summer 2012. These are important contracts, which contribute to fill our capacity,” comments managing director of Ulstein Verft, Karsten Sævik.

The vessels will be delivered in Q1 and Q3 2012.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up