Ulstein Pushes Offshore Wind Vessels Segment
Norway's Ulstein Group is aiming to become a leading player in the growing offshore wind industry designing and building vessels for some of the world’s toughest areas and demanding operations."The knowledge of how to integrate technical, operational and commercial aspects in a vessel design is paramount when contributing to the LCOE (Levelised Cost Of Energy) reduction in future offshore wind projects," said a release from the shipbuilder.New offshore wind farms are being developed further from shore, in rougher seas and deeper waters. This increases the need for higher carrying capacities, comfortable accommodation, vessel flexibility and operational availability and safety.
Ulstein, SeaOwls Partner for Heavy-lift Jack-Up Design
Ulstein Design & Solutions B.V. (part of Ulstein Group) and SeaOwls B.V. are partnering to combine the former’s track record in heavy lift vessel design with the latter’s experience in jack-up technology and engineering to jointly develop the next generation self-propelled heavy lift jack-up vessel. The new design aims to serve the needs of offshore wind industry, but will also be suitable for operations in the offshore oil and gas market. Rather than developing a scaled-up version of a conventional heavy lift jack-up vessel, a complete new design is being developed by the two companies.
Ulstein Group Records Operating Loss of $11.5M
In 2015, Ulstein Group recorded revenues of $279.4 million and an operating loss of $11.5 million. The business areas Design & Solutions and Power & Control both recorded profits. The downturn in the offshore sector and a tricky market has to be met with adaptation and innovation, according to CEO Gunvor Ulstein. ‘These are tough times. The group’s results for 2015 were weak as a result of lower utilization of capacity and the generally challenging market situation in our business areas. We believe 2016 will also be a challenging year. Ulstein Group has had a strong focus on supplying design, construction and systems solutions to the offshore market in recent years.
Ulstein Verft's First Wind Service Vessel Launched
Shipbuilder Ulstein Verft has launched its first vessel within the renewable energy segment, and also the first with the newly-developed X-STERN hull line design. The service operation vessel (SOV) for the offshore wind industry is one of two being constructed for Bernhard Schulte Offshore, and will be working for Siemens servicing the Gemini offshore wind park offshore the Netherlands. The Ulstein Group has previously delivered ship designs for the renewable energy segment, but the Bernhard Schulte Offshore vessels are the first offshore wind service vessels to be constructed at Ulstein Verft. The ship design and shipbuilding contract on the two SOVs were signed in 2015.
Ulstein Systems Ordered for New Rock Installers
Ulstein Power & Control announced it has been contracted by Chinese shipbuilder AVIC Weihai Shipyard Co. Ltd. to deliver power and control for two subsea rock installation vessels for offshore dredging and construction specialist Jan De Nul Group. According to Ulstein Power & Control, the scope of its delivery includes the power package consisting of generators, switchboards, motor control center, thruster frequency converters and motors, the automation system ULSTEIN IAS, DP system and thruster control, as well as the commissioning. Ulstein will deliver the products and systems in 2016.
X-STERN Wins ‘Next Generation Ship Award’
The X-STERN solution from Ulstein was awarded the Next Generation Ship Award at the Nor-Shipping opening conference on June 2. Innovative ship design is the main criteria in the awarding of this prize. “Innovation is at the core of what we do, and we are truly delighted to receive this recognition,” comments Gunvor Ulstein, CEO of Ulstein Group. “The offshore industry is experiencing a downturn and eventually oil and gas supplies will come to an end. Tore Ulstein, Deputy CEO and Head of Market and Innovation, comments further, “Thinking outside the box and challenging accepted ideas is at the heart of innovation.
Nordic American Offshore Appoints CEO
Nordic American Offshore Ltd. (NAO) announced that Tor-Øyvind Bjørkli will join the company as chief executive officer (CEO), effective April 1, 2014. Tor-Øyvind will be working from out of the Oslo office on the same premises as Orion Tankers; the chartering department of Nordic American Tankers Limited (NAT). A subsidiary of Nordic American Tankers is the manager of the recently established Nordic American Offshore Ltd. (NAO). Tor-Øyvind graduated from Vestfold University College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering in 1992. He…
