Bernhard Schulte orders pair of Ulstein 'X-Stern' design offshore wind vessels

Set to be delivered in the second quarter of 2016 and the beginning of 2017, the vessels were developed in co-operation with WINDEA Offshore, a windfarm consultant and jv of Bernhard Schulte, EMS Maritime Offshore and SSC Wind Group.

The X-Stern increases the vessel's seakeeping ability, with the combination of the X-Bow and X-Stern allowing the vessel to operate with bow or stern towards waves and current, reducing pitch and wave drift forces and eliminating slamming. The effect is a reduced power consumption while operating in Dynamic Positioning (DP) mode.

Meanwhile the vessels feature accommodation for 60 people in single cabins, of which 40 are dedicated for technicians who service wind turbines.

"Sustainable growth is essential for Ulstein and we have previously delivered ship designs within the renewable energy segment," said ceo Gunvor Ulstein. "We look forward to cooperating with WINDEA, who are a new and interesting partner for us."