Ulstein reported today that operational feedback on Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) had shown SOV crews choose to operate the vessels in astern mode at least 50% of the time at offshore wind farms.
The company has delivered three SOVs so far, one to Siem Offshore Contractors and two to Bernhard Schulte Offshore .
A vessel’s ability to back is not usually tested at sea trials, Ulstein said. However, the crews on SOVs currently in operation report that they prefer to manoeuver stern first rather than bow first during their stay at the offshore wind farms.
This number is very likely to increase from the next generation of SOVs, starting with the Windea La Cour , according to Ulstein.
One of the reasons SOV owners give for astern operations is a better overview of the vessel’s positioning, as the gangway, the turbine and the ship’s side can all be observed from the bridge. Furthermore, keeping position is done more easily this way since most power is installed in the aft part of the vessel. Finally, the vessel does not have to turn around before leaving for the next turbine, thus saving manoeuvering time between turbines.