Ulstein Group reports work underway on new CSOV for offshore wind market

March 19, 2025
New vessel will feature ‘walk-to-work’ motion-compensated gangway for crew transfer to wind turbine.

Ulstein Group reports that the hull of a new commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) has arrived at the Ulstein Verft shipyard in Ulsteinvik, Norway.

The arrival is part of the shipbuilding process for a new ‘walk-to-work’ (W2W) vessel for BS Offshore, where personnel will walk via a motion-compensated gangway from the ship to a wind turbine.

The hull was constructed at the CRIST S.A. shipyard in Poland, and its recent arrival at the Ulstein Verft shipyard marks a new phase in vessel construction which includes securing, painting, outfitting, piping, equipment installations, electrical work, and system integration.

During the outfitting phase, the vessel will be equipped with a 3D-compensated crane and a gangway, which Ulstein says helps ensure safe and efficient personnel and cargo transfer to offshore wind turbine facilities.

The vessel will also have a diesel-electric propulsion system with battery energy storage, which is said to significantly reduce the environmental footprint. She is prepared for methanol as a future fuel.

After her delivery in 2025, the vessel will be ready to support the offshore wind sector with modern, high-comfort accommodation for up to 132 crew and clients. Ulstein says that this is its fifth W2W vessel for BS Offshore.