The hull of yard number 318, marking the first of two newbuild Construction Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) for Olympic, has reached the Ulstein Verft AS outfitting yard in Norway. Upon its arrival, the hull will be strategically positioned in the dock hall, initiating the commencement of outfitting work.
According to Helge Torvik, project manager at Ulstein Verft, the upcoming months will see various general outfitting tasks, including accommodation work, electrical installations, piping, and mechanical installations. The vessel will undergo paint work within the controlled environment of the dock hall, with commissioning and testing slated for the final stages of the project.
Marius Bergseth, Chief Operating Officer at Olympic, expressed enthusiasm about the outfitting process, particularly for the innovative Twin X-stern CSOV. Bergseth highlighted the vessel's groundbreaking “four-wheel drive system,” designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption during dynamic positioning, a key factor in operational efficiency.
Emphasizing their commitment to cutting-edge technology and sustainable operations, Bergseth underlined the vessel's design features aligned with environmental sustainability. The CSOVs are not only prepared for methanol fuel but also have flexibility for additional battery capacity, aligning with a greener and more emission-conscious maritime future and meeting the commitments of the Paris agreement.
The vessel is anticipated to be delivered in the summer of 2024. The contractual agreement between Olympic and Ulstein, signed in 2022, involves the construction of two CSOVs at Ulstein Verft, with hulls constructed by the Crist yard in Poland. The vessels feature diesel-electric propulsion with variable speed, coupled with large battery energy storage systems. Ulstein Power & Control is tasked with delivering an extended power and automation package, including a substantial battery supply.
Based on the ULSTEIN SX222 design from Ulstein Design & Solutions AS, the CSOVs boast dimensions of 89.6 meters in length and a beam of 19.2 meters, providing accommodation for 126 people in 91 cabins. Bergseth reiterated the vessels' readiness for methanol fuel and their potential for full-electric repowering, contributing to the pursuit of emission neutrality.
