The construction of the two Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOVs) for Bernhard Schulte Offshore is entering the next phase. On 18 December, the hull of the first vessel reached Ulstein Verft in Norway. The CSOV hulls are built at Crist shipyard in Gdynia, Poland, a long-standing contractual partner of Ulstein, before being towed to Norway, where they are fitted out and finalised.
The arrival of the hull at Ulstein is another milestone in the construction of this state-of-the-art vessel, which has been designed to support the growing offshore wind industry. The vessel will now undergo comprehensive outfitting. This phase will include the installation of electrical and mechanical systems, piping, accommodation for up to 132 crew and clients, and system integration.
“We are excited to welcome the hull and move into the next phase of this newbuild project,” said Martinus Warholm, project manager at Ulstein Verft. “BS Offshore will receive a vessel that represents the latest in maritime innovation and will play a crucial role in supporting offshore wind operations.
“What was just a signature on a piece of paper a few months ago is now taking shape,” says Matthias Müller, Managing Director BS Offshore. “We are looking forward to our new innovative offshore vessels and have great expectations in their reliability, operability and sustainability.
The vessels, which utilise Ulstein’s TWIN X-STERN design, feature two sterns and main propellers located at both fore and aft, making them an ideal choice for Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations. With the TWIN X-STERN solution, the ships can achieve improved fuel efficiency while also minimising motion.
The CSOVs are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 3D-compensated crane and a Walk-to-Work gangway, ensuring safe and efficient personnel and cargo transfer to offshore wind turbine facilities. The vessels also feature a diesel-electric propulsion system with substantial battery energy storage, significantly reducing its environmental footprint, and are prepared for methanol as fuel.
The construction of both CSOVs will be overseen by Schulte Marine Concept (S.M.C.). The vessels will be classed by DNV and built to NIS flag requirements. The first vessel is expected to be delivered in the summer of 2025.
Stay tuned for updates on the construction in the coming months.
Read the full article on the two new CSOVs here.
Departure of first CSOV hull from Crist shipyard in Gdynia, Poland ©Crist
Arrival of first CSOV hull at Ulstein Verft in Norway ©Ulstein Group