Photos: The First Ulstein X-Stern Hull

The hull of the first vessel to feature Ulstein’s new X-Stern arrived at Ulstein Verft in Norway from Poland early in January 2016.

The X-Stern is a further development from the X-Bow. A vessel featuring the X-Stern can be positioned with the stern faced towards the weather instead of the bow, leading to improved weather resistance, greater operability and reduced power and fuel consumption while on DP mode. The design is claimed to reduce pitch and wave drift forces and to eliminate slamming. 

It is also anticipated that there will be no sea on deck, and reduced ice build-up in cold climates, due to the stern shape and enclosed nature of the aft deck.

During the next months the first vessel, a service operation vessel (SOV) for the offshore wind industry, will be outfitted and get its final coating, before the sea trials will start in the late spring. 

Next summer, the vessel will work at the Gemini wind farm in the Netherlands for Siemens Wind Power Service.

The vessel is one of two SOVs which Bernhard Schulte Offshore/Windea will deliver to Siemens.

The usage of SOVs will improve the efficiency of service operations at wind farms. The vessel functions as a reliable and environmentally sound platform for wind farm operations and maintenance support, technician accommodation and transport, and the provision of exceptional levels of safe reliable access to installations offshore.

Main particulars 
Length: 88m (289 feet)
Breadth: 18m (59 feet)
Speed: 13.5 knots 
Accommodation: 60 people.

The yno 309 hull arrived Ulstein Verft in early morning. (Photo: Don Johansson)

Hull arrival (photo: Don Johansson)

The yno 309 hull was positioned into the Ulstein Verft's dock hall. (Photo: Roy Lindset)

The hull on its way into the dock hall. (Photo: Don Johansson)

Stern first when entering the dock hall. (Photo: Roy Lindset)

Safe and sound inside the dock hall. (Photo: Don Johansson)