First-of-its-kind hybrid heavy transport vessel to be developed for OWF connectivity

Vallianz Holdings Limited has joined forces with Ulstein Design & Solutions B.V., Shift Clean Energy and Bureau Veritas to collaborate on the design and construction of a heavy transport vessel that will be the first of its kind in the global offshore wind industry.

Designed for worldwide operations, the HTV will be deployed for transportation of structures such as monopiles, jackets, transition pieces and turbine blades to support offshore wind farm projects, as well as heavy structure modules for LNG and carry out floatover operations of offshore structures. 

Featuring zero emission capability, the DP-2 vessel will be the first of its kind, as it will be driven by a hybrid power system consisting of alternative dual fuelled engines and a fully-classed battery energy storage system. In addition, the HTV features the proven ULSTEIN X-BOW®, which contributes to reduced energy consumption and provides more comfortable and safer operations when sailing through waves.

Measuring an overall length of 173.6 meters, the customised ULSTEIN HX120 design will have a free deck length of 145 meters. With her large deck area of more than 6,000 square meters and deck strength of 25 tonnes per square meter, the new HTV can carry cargoes of up to 32,000 metric tonnes. This includes very large structures and modules, such as monopiles, transition pieces and jacket foundations.

The design of the HTV is developed by the Dutch design office of Ulstein Group which is headquartered in Norway. The HTV’s electric battery system is to be provided by Canadian-based Shift, while the vessel will be classed by Bureau Veritas.

Construction is expected to take up to 26 months with planned completion by the end of 2024, and is not expected to have any material impact on the net tangible assets or earnings per share of the Group for the current financial year ending 31 March 2023.

Measuring an overall length of 173.6 meters, the customised ULSTEIN HX120 design will have a free deck length of 145 meters. With her large deck area of more than 6,000 square meters and deck strength of 25 tonnes per square meter, the new HTV can carry cargoes of up to 32,000 metric tonnes. This includes very large structures and modules, such as monopiles, transition pieces and jacket foundations.

The design of the HTV is developed by the Dutch design office of Ulstein Group which is headquartered in Norway. The HTV’s electric battery system is to be provided by Canadian-based Shift, while the vessel will be classed by Bureau Veritas.

Construction is expected to take up to 26 months with planned completion by the end of 2024, and is not expected to have any material impact on the net tangible assets or earnings per share of the Group for the current financial year ending 31 March 2023.

Ms Cathrine Marti, CEO of Ulstein Group, said:

“Since 2010, offshore wind has been a focus market for Ulstein. With our track record in SOVs, heavy lift vessels and rock installation vessels, we have built up a strong position as a ship designer supporting offshore wind installation and maintenance. This agreement with Vallianz is an important step for us, as it is in line with our strategy to expand into vessels supporting offshore wind logistics.”

Said Mr Francis Tang, Commercial Director of Bureau Veritas Marine Singapore, said:

“Bureau Veritas is honoured to participate in this ground-breaking project and to support our close customer Vallianz and partners to further push the boundaries in maritime and offshore decarbonisation by tapping into our deep expertise in alternative fuels and hybrid technologies.”

Said Mr Brent Perry, CEO of Shift Clean Energy, said:

“Energy Storage is mature and ready to take on the challenge of decarbonisation, today. Collaboration with all parties is the key that will support Energy Storage System (ESS) in delivering on performance, cost and environmental benefits. On this project, we are working hand-in-hand with committed partners to enable the transition to a zero-carbon maritime industry. We are thrilled to be partnering with Vallianz on this important and exciting venture and we extend our congratulations to Vallianz, Ulstein and Bureau Veritas on this industry-leading design.”