AWARDS 2024 | Best CSOV – Olympic Boreas – Ulstein & Olympic
This Norwegian effort has produced the most modern and capable, multi-purpose CSOV on the global offshore renewables market. With a diesel/hybrid propulsion system, it will be comparatively economical to operate and will emit few nasty emissions.
As an offshore support, construction and maintenance service vessel, it can perform a multitude of roles in almost every imaginable marine situation.
Equipped with a 3D-compensated offshore crane, it also is fitted with a very effective “walk to work” personnel transfer system. This fine vessel should accomplish everything asked of her.
"Designed specifically for offshore wind, it combines exceptional fuel efficiency, advanced sea- and station-keeping, and cutting-edge technology to deliver safe and sustainable operations," Frode Andreassen, Olympic's Vice President Commercial for Renewables, told Baird Maritime.
"With all accommodation spaces offering daylight cabins, it also sets a new standard for crew and personnel comfort.
Andreassen outlined some of the CSOV's characteristics as contributing to its uniqueness. These include Ulstein's proprietary twin-stern layout, a hybrid propulsion system guaranteeing low fuel consumption and emissions, and a variable speed generator designed to optimise power generation by dynamically adjusting speed to match load requirements.
"The vessel was built on lessons learned from previous vessel designs, and there is a strong focus on both the crew and its environmental performance. It is now in full operation, and feedback from both crew and clients has been very positive."
"A high degree of manoeuvrability guaranteed by the twin-stern design and DP capability combined with exceptional energy efficiency make this an attractive vessel for end users," said Åsmund Eide, Lead Naval Architect at Ulstein Design and Solutions.
"There was good cooperation between us and the shipowner, and experienced shipowners have always been a source of valuable input for us designers."
"The construction of this prototype vessel proceeded seamlessly," added Helge Torvik, Project Manager at Ulstein Verft. "Fortunately, our technical team demonstrated their ability to deliver timely technical production documentation, ensuring a smooth production process."
"Thanks to strong collaboration with the yard and suppliers, the commissioning process went smoothly," Andreassen remarked. "Involving the operational crew early on and conducting thorough testing before delivery saved time and ensured a better end result."
In Andreassen's view, vessel operations are increasingly shaped by stricter environmental regulations, a preference for low-emission technologies, and the growing role of digitalisation in optimising energy efficiency and emissions tracking.
"The upcoming regulation is already influencing technology choices and fuel planning, putting pressure on operators to be future-ready," he told Baird Maritime.
Olympic had a "strong" year in 2024 with high activity, particularly in offshore wind.
"We’re seeing growing demand for modern, efficient vessels and a clear improvement from the post-pandemic years," said Andreassen. "We're definitely optimistic about the future, as the industry is evolving and we are well-positioned.
"Geopolitical stability in Europe will help boost investment in offshore wind projects while long-term EU strategies for energy independence are creating a more predictable market environment."
Ulstein also had a busy 2024 with the delivery of a series of two twin X-stern CSOVs of which Olympic Boreas was the first.
"The year 2024 was highlighted by the resurgence of the oil and gas (O&G) market, as well as a focus on flexibility of vessels," Jose Jorge Garcia Agis, Managing Director of Ulstein International, commented. "Thus, CSOVs that were initially intended for offshore wind are also often seen working more generally in W2W operations in support of O&G customers."
Agis believes that the market is moving towards flexibility in offshore energy, as indicated by there being no contradiction between vessels working in the offshore O&G and wind sectors.
"The demand for energy will continue to increase and therefore the need for tonnage supporting this activity will increase, too. The focus on decarbonisation will continue."
In line with decarbonisation, Ulstein has adopted a strategy for ensuring "greener" operations. These cover aspects such as reducing energy consumption, using "greener" energy sources, smarter use of energy on board vessels, and more effective vessel operations.
"Each of these needs a variation in approaches," said Agis. "The latter, 'more effective vessel operations', can be addressed through data identification, collection, collation and storage; data manipulation, visualisation and benchmarking; data analysis, performance ranking and reporting; and mplementation of operational improvement guidelines and recommendations."
"The offshore industry is heading into a phase of rapid transformation, driven by growth in offshore wind, electrification, and digitalisation," added Olympic Subsea's Andreassen. "We expect to see more automation, smarter and more fuel-efficient operations, and demand for flexible vessels.
"Sustainability, crew welfare, and recruitment will also become increasingly important as the industry evolves."
For Andreassen, the European commercial marine industry is poised to lead the way in "green" innovation.
"Driven by ambitious regulations and strong sustainability goals, Europe is pushing technological advancement and will play a key role in delivering sustainable solutions to the global maritime market."
"The Scandinavian commercial marine industry has achieved a leading position on the decarbonisation value chain, this will be reflected in the years to come," Agis told Baird Maritime. Geopolitics will play a significant role, and we expect to see more regional/national focus as we go forward."
For a list of the 2024 "Best Of" award winners, please click here.
