High-spec hybrid SOV for Merkur offshore windfarm delivered

The hybrid propulsion vessel will work at the Merkur offshore windfarm on behalf of GE Renewable Energy.

The vessel is based on the Ulstein SX195 design from Ulstein Design & Solutions and is 93.4 m in length with an 18 m beam. It has accommodation for 120 people.

Ulstein said much effort has been placed on comfort for those on board. The vessel has the Ulstein X-BOW and X-STERN, which leads to softer motions in head seas, significantly reducing slamming and vibration. This leads to increased quality of sleep and rest when windfarm technicians and crew are off shift.

The vessel is equipped with a tower with a personnel and equipment elevator and a heave-compensated gangway for safe transfer to offshore wind turbines for maintenance and service work.

The vessel can also operate stern first, when required, when in the field, and will use a daughter craft to further increase its service capability.