The PaxOcean Group is building a new service operation vessel for the Japanese shipping company NYK Line for the offshore wind market. The vessel is being constructed at the Graha shipyard in Batam, Indonesia, and is based on the Ulstein SX222 design.
The internationally active shipyard group PaxOcean, based in Singapore, and Ulstein Design & Solutions have signed a design contract for this purpose. The SOV is intended to support construction, operation and maintenance work at offshore wind farms and to serve as an accommodation and logistics platform for the personnel deployed there.
The new vessel will be 89.6 m long and 19.2 m wide. It will be able to accommodate up to 120 people on board. Delivery is scheduled for 2029.
“This contract represents an important project for the PaxOcean Group as we continue to expand our capabilities in the construction of specialised vessels. Together with NYK and Ulstein, we have worked closely and purposefully over an extended period to develop a vessel that meets both the client’s operational requirements and the evolving needs of the offshore wind industry,” explains Sidat Senanayake, Group Head of Commercial at PaxOcean.
The vessel will utilise Ulstein’s so-called ‘Twin-X-Stern’ concept. The symmetrical hull shape and propulsion arrangement are designed to enable efficient operation in both directions of travel. This means the vessel can avoid frequent turning manoeuvres in changing weather conditions. Ulstein expects this to result, amongst other things, in greater manoeuvrability, more efficient position-holding and lower energy consumption.
The SOV is also being prepared for the use of methanol and for fully electric operation. Dual classification by DNV and CR is planned. The vessel is to fly the Taiwanese flag.
Ulstein Design & Solutions is responsible not only for the design but also for the engineering package. Its sister company, Ulstein Power & Control, is supplying an integrated DC-based hybrid energy and automation system. Among other things, this is intended to link power generation, energy storage, propulsion and control.
According to PaxOcean, the project represents a further step in the expansion of its business with specialised offshore wind vessels. The company aims to strengthen its position in a segment that is expected to benefit from the continued expansion of offshore wind energy and the maritime energy transition.
Info:
Shipyard: PaxOcean Graha Yard, Batam
Designer: Ulstein Design & Solutions AS
Design type: ULSTEIN SX222
Vessel type: Service Operation Vessel (SOV)
Length overall: 89.6 m
Beam: 19.2 m
Accommodation: 120 people
System integration: Ulstein Power & Control AS
Classification: DNV and CR
Flag: Taiwan
Power supply: Methanol and fully electric operation
