Ulstein’s SX163 Vessel First to Be Built at External Yard in Norway

Siem Offshore has ordered an installation support vessel from ULSTEIN to be built by the Norwegian shipyard Fjellstrand, with an option for an additional vessel. This is a new segment for ULSTEIN, and the vessel will be the first to be built by an external yard in Norway.

The vessel of SX163 design will be used for installation, repair, maintenance and general service duties within the offshore renewable energy and the offshore oil and gas markets.

“The renewable energy market is a new segment for ULSTEIN, and we are very happy that Siem Offshore has chosen our design,” says Managing Director in Ulstein Design & Solutions, Sigurd Viseth.

The 74-meter long and 17-metre wide vessel can accommodate 60 persons. It will be equipped with cranes and an active heave compensated gangway-based offshore transfer system for safe transfer of personnel to fixed and floating structures. A diesel electric propulsion system and two Voith Schneider Rudder ECS propeller units will ensure excellent performance with respect to fuel efficiency, speed and sea and station keeping.

The vessel, which has been developed in close cooperation with Siem Offshore, will be the first vessel of ULSTEIN design to be built by a Norwegian yard other than ULSTEIN’s own shipyard in Ulsteinvik. Since 1999, ULSTEIN has sold 88 designs, 63 of which boast the characteristic X-BOW® hull line design.

The ship is scheduled for delivery in March 2014.

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Press release, October 26, 2012; Image: Ulstein