Offshore staff
ENGLAND, U.K. — James Fisher and Graig Shipping Plc have released a new service operation vessel (SOV) design concept, according to a recent James Fisher news release.
The ULSTEIN TWIN X-STERN named ULSTEIN SX221 Diamond SOV will support the U.K.’s target of 5 GW of offshore wind energy generation by 2030 as part of its net-zero strategy.
The concept is the result of extensive collaboration by the Diamond Consortium, a collaboration between James Fisher and Graig with support from DNV and design partner Ulstein Design Solutions. The result will provide a future-proof design to address the increased demand for SOVs and will reduce the levelized cost of energy while delivering high levels of operability, personnel comfort and sustainability, the release stated.
The Diamond SOV concept will address the supply chain chasm threatening to stymie offshore wind progress with a scalable, modular solution that can be achieved through high-volume series construction to meet developer time and budgetary constraints. With a significantly reduced energy consumption and increased maneuverability, the vessel also will help developers lower Scope 3 emissions in the construction of offshore wind farms.
"Building SOVs in series volumes achieves significant economies of scale and delivers a design that can be built in multiple yards simultaneously," said Jim Hey, James Fisher's group business development director.
“With larger turbines being installed further out at sea, vessels and crews will be traveling greater distances and working for longer periods of time in harsher environments," added Arnstein Eknes, DNV's segment director, Special Ships. "The opportunities offered by digitalization and introduction of sustainable solutions, whilst maintaining high dependability during operations are vital for the next generation of SOVs."
The Diamond Consortium is in discussion with major shipyard groups to reach specifications in conjunction with customers, with the first vessel capable of being completed by year-end 2024.
06.22.2022
