The ‘Ocean Explorer’, an Ulstein designed expedition cruise vessel featuring the iconic X-BOW®, has been successfully delivered from the CMHI Haimen yard, China, on 13th July 2021.

The cooperation on a container vessel concept to facilitate green energy power solutions was recently announced. The partners are now evaluating the use of hydrogen to achieve non-fossil propulsion, collaborating with ABB to develop this solution on the basis of fuel cells from Ballard Power Systems.

Both the newbuilds at Ulstein Verft are nominees for the ‘Ship of the Year 2021’ Award; the polar vessel 'National Geographic Resolution' and the cable-laying vessel 'Nexans Aurora'. The ‘Ship of the Year’ is awarded by the maritime magazine Skipsrevyen and the winner will be announced in August.

Ulstein has developed a ship with two sterns and main propeller units in each corner, ideally for offshore operations requiring continuous positioning. “The TWIN X-STERN is extremely manoeuvrable, comfortable to be on board and very environmentally friendly,” says Øyvind Gjerde Kamsvåg, Chief Designer at Ulstein.

For generations, we have delivered ship designs to service oil and gas installations in the world’s roughest areas. Offshore wind is a new segment in the offshore family, and the knowledge of how the weather can impact the vessel is of great value when developing designs and solutions for offshore renewables.

Following the introduction of our first hydrogen fuelled, zero emission design in 2019, we now reveal our vision towards a marine hydrogen future. Where the ULSTEIN SX190 showcased that zero emission ships can be realised with today’s off-the-shelf technology, we now map the way to a hydrogen fuelled marine industry.

In order to comply with regulations, as well as minimise environmental impact, cruise operators will need new technical solutions. The ULSTEIN ZED power system allows cruise operators to visit vulnerable and protected areas without greenhouse gas emissions and local pollution.

The Norway-based shipowner OHT recently celebrated the keel laying of their Alfa Lift heavy installation vessel. Custom-designed by Ulstein, the foundation installation vessel will serve the early development stage of new offshore wind farms. Ulstein has ship solutions for all phases in the life of offshore wind farms.

In cooperation with shipowner Bernhard Schulte, Ulstein Design & Solutions has designed a diesel-electric propulsion system assisted by batteries to reduce operating hours on the main engines, save fuel and reduce environmental footprint. The hybrid system has been installed on the WINDEA JULES VERNE at Ulstein Verft.