SMC ニュース

Building a new vessel type, full of innovative approaches is a challenge already. Adding the fact that it is built parallel at two yards under significant time pressure does not make it any easier.

In January 2015, Hamburg shipping company, Bernhard Schulte and Siemens signed a charter contract for two so-called Service Operation Vessels (SOV) to facilitate maintenance of offshore wind farms. After signing, there were only 18 months left to build this prototype vessel – and the final drawings were not even in place yet. This next generation of SOVs was jointly designed by Bernhard Schulte Offshore and Ulstein Design & Solutions according to the specific requirements provided by Siemens Windpower. 40 service technicians can live comfortably onboard the SOV in single cabins while out in the wind farm and can go to work daily from the vessel to the turbine and back via a motion compensated gangway.

To ensure a safe transfer of service technicians via the gangway and the SOV’s fast re-positioning between the turbines, the vessel’s hull has been optimised for Dynamic Positioning (DP). The highly efficient optimisation was achieved with the X-BOW design and pioneering application of the X-STERN design, providing the vessel with unique astern operational capability and capacity against wind and waves, equal to heading performance. Praxis-orientated logistical flows allow for the first time that spare parts and equipment can be transported with a trolley from the SOV’s warehouse under weather deck via an elevator to the upper deck and over the motion compensated gangway onto the wind turbine.

Bernhard Schulte Offshore called for tenders among 25 yards worldwide to locate the right yard to design and build the two vessels. Besides commercial aspects and references of similar vessel builds, the design capability and capacity, workmanship quality, efficient and detailed project planning by the yard were intensively audited. This is where Schulte Marine Concept (SMC) first came into play. The team of highly qualified naval architects and marine engineers visited multiple yards. They reviewed the yards’design, production, planning processes and looked closely at the vessels being built there. Finally, the chosen yard was the Ulstein yard in Norway which convinced with its far-reaching knowledge and experience in building prototypes. Nonetheless, the hulls of both SOVs were built and partly equipped at the Crist yard in Poland to optimize the project’s execution schedule and budget.

Ulstein developed in record time the final design and invited the owners to come and take receipt of the plans and to conclude on the makers’ selection process. SMC was continuously available to Bernhard Schulte Offshore as a technical consultant and providing abundant knowledge from previous offshore newbuilding projects. Using a digital 3D-model of the ship the hull structure, vessel’s equipment, systems and furnishings were checked in regard to design coordination and vessel’s safe and efficient operation and maintenance, ensuring a high level of durability and operational reliability. On the 20th April 2015, under the supervision of SMC, the steel cutting for the hull began in Crist yard, Gdynia. In record time, the complete prefabrication of the first blocks was completed and only three months later the hull erection in the dry-dock commenced. A team from SMC was continuously at the construction site supervising the construction works, ensuring contractual compliance while observing closely that the respective regulations and rules were adhered to. All design, construction, performance non-conformities were immediately addressed to the builder, corrective as well as preventive actions agreed and implemented. The owner was kept thoroughly informed about the SOV’s construction and commissioning with regular detailed reports. In December 2015, the first hull left the Crist yard and was towed to Norway. During the journey an unusually strong storm came over, forcing the SOV and the tug to seek shelter at the port of Kristiansand and to spend Christmas there. On the 3rd of January, the hull finally arrived in the dock at Ulstein yard in Ulsteinvik. Here, the second team from SMC took over supervision duties, overseeing the further construction and outfitting works, including the installation of the entire propulsion system, bridge equipment and the interior fittings for the accommodation area. Even though a Norwegian yard stands for high quality, there are always some challenges involved when working on a prototype vessel in combination with so many new components (Siemens BlueDrive C, Uptime Gangway, MT integrated bridge & DP system, etc.). With the site manager from SMC at the yard there was always a representative on site, who could foresee problems earlier and could discuss the matters with the yard’s project manager directly to find quick and commercially sound solutions without delaying the building time schedule.

Beginning of June 2016, WINDEA LA COUR embarked on a test sail, while the Polish built hull from WINDEA LEIBNIZ arrived in Norway. SMC assisted the owner during the delivery of the first vessel from the yard. Menwhile, SMC ensured that the corrections from the first vessel would also be implemented on the second ship. SMC employees were also on board the vessel during the operational testing in the wind farm to gather the first operational experiences. The experience gained at the wind farm was integrated into the second vessel to enhance the operability even further. In February 2017, WINDEA LEIBNIZ was delivered to Bernhard Schulte and with it the 423rd newbuilding project for SMC was successfully completed. Matthias Müller, managing director of Bernhard Schulte Offshore, draws a positive résumé: SMC guided us safely through the building process and together with the Ulstein yard ensured that we can start our charter contract on time. SMC did not only make sure that the yard strictly complies with the building plans, but they also ensured that the vessel could perform the manoeuvres as per the charter contract requirements.

Schulte Marine Concept (SMC) provides a comprehensive range of technical and project management services for newbuilding, conversion and retrofit projects as well as technical support for the fleet in service. SMC’s project tailored services range from design consultancy, project feasibility studies, through shipyard audits, shipbuilding contract and technical specification negotiations, plan approval and 3D model review, construction site supervision to ship inspections, dry docking support and ballast water treatment retrofits. Today, in April 2017 SMC is working on the 447th new-building project.

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SMC is pleased to report Launching Ceremony in Nanjing Dong Ze Shipbuilding, China: of mv ”Spil Hayu”, Hull No. Dz-55, the forth unit from the series of 4 x 900 TEU Container vessel ordered by Asia Pacific Shipmanagement Pte Ltd.

Vessel’s principal particulars: LOA = 135.70m, B = 22.50m, D = 10.2m, T d/s = 5.6m. Propelled by MAN 5S35MC-C9.2 developing 2975 kW x 142 rpm at NCR the vessel will operate at the speed of 12.5 knots. All vessels in the series are classed by Chinese Class Society and was built to Indonesian flag requirements.

Classification notes: CSAD Container Ship; Greater Coastal Service; Loading Computer (S,I,D); In-Water Survey; CSM MCC

Delivery of the vessel is scheduled for 30th July 2017.

Windea Leibniz, a Service Operation Vessel (SOV) for the offshore wind industry, has been nominated ‘Ship of the Year 2017’ by the maritime magazine Skipsrevyen. The winner will be announced on 30 May at the Nor-Shipping exhibition.

‘Windea Leibniz’ is an ULSTEIN SX175 design and was delivered from Ulstein Verft in February 2017. The vessel’s main task is to transport service technicians, tools and equipment from shore to offshore wind farms. Having arrived at the wind farm, the vessel will transfer technicians to and from the various wind turbines.

Operational feedback on existing SOV vessels shows that the crew managements choose to operate the vessels in astern mode up to 75% of the time at offshore wind farms. This number is very likely to increase further on the ‘Windea Leibniz’ due to her patented X-STERN.

The SOV owners give various reasons for astern operations:

• It leads to a better overview of the vessel’s positioning, as the gangway, the turbine and the ship’s side can all be observed from the Most power is installed in the aft part of the ship, enabling it to keep positioned more easily
• The vessel doesn’t have to turn around before leaving for the next turbine, saving manoeuvering time between turbine

X-STERN

Windea Leibniz is equipped with the new ULSTEIN X-STERN®. This aft design has been developed for the SOVs to work close to the offshore wind farm structures, disregarding the directions of wind or waves, or where it is headed next. The X-STERN is a follow-up of the X-BOW® fore ship design, both originating from Ulstein’s long experience in designing for the offshore industry.

The X-STERN was designed for increased operability and station-keeping whilst in dynamic positioning mode. The vertical transom plate, a very common aft shape, will create slamming when going backwards or when being positioned with the stern towards waves, wind and current. The X-STERN, however, is a pointed aft. The sloping and higher stern, with its sharp stern shape, improves offshore wind farm service and maintenance. This has an importance when it comes to the flexibility and efficiency of the vessel. The X-STERN improves the crew and passenger comfort and increases the operability through positive effects on station keeping, wave response and safety in harsh conditions. It operates with reduced power and fuel consumption while staying positioned.

Keeping up backward speed without reducing comfort

A vessel with the X-STERN can keep almost the same speed in backward mode as in forward mode without the occurrence of slamming or vibrations. The sister vessel ‘Windea La Cour’ has demonstrated the ability to sail astern at a speed of 12.1 knots, just 1.8 knots shy of her forward speed, and she is easily manoeuvred both ways. At the sea trial, the crew management noted the vessel’s smooth motions and the very low levels of noise and vibrations, all these being important factors in a vessel in which one of the main tasks is to transport and accommodate service technicians.

BS Offshore gives this feedback from the first X-STERN vessel, the ‘Windea La Cour’: “The X-STERN is a big advantage for the daily operation. Since it enables the vessel to run fast and efficient backwards, the vessel can choose the fastest way to the next turbine either it is going with the bow or the stern. During the last 12 months the first X-STERN has met all expectations and it is amazing to see a vessel going backwards in bad weather without slamming and having spray on deck.”

Reference: ulstein.com

SMC is pleased to report Ship Delivery in Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding Co. Ltd, China: of mv “INTERLINK FORTUITY”, Hull No. TK1017, the tenth unit from the series of 13 X GREEN DOLPHIN 38,800 DWT Bulk Carriers ordered by Marine Capital Corporation, Bermuda.

Vessel’s principal particulars: LOA = 180.0 m, B = 32.0 m, D = 15.0 m, T d/s = 9.5/10.5 m. Propelled by MAN 5S50ME-B9.3 Tier II engine and developing 4575 KW x 89.9 rpm at CSR the vessel will operate at the speed of 14 knots at 9.50 draft. All vessels in the series are classed by Lloyd’s Register and will be built to Marshall Islands flag requirements.

Classification notes: LR +100A1 Bulk Carrier, CSR, BC-A, Hold Nos. 2, 4 may be empty, Grab [20], ESP, Ship Right (CM, ACS(B,D)), *IWS, LI, ECO(P, BWT, EEDI, IHM), Ice Class 1C FS. + LMC, UMS; With Descriptive notes: Ship Right ((BWMP (F,T), SCM, SERS).

The construction commenced with Steel Cutting on 02nd March 2015 followed by the erection starting in slipway on 26th Jan 2016. The Ship launched on 14th May 2016 and the sea trial completed successfully on 19th April 2017. BSM, HK took delivery of ship after Delivery Signing Ceremony on 18th May 2017 which is attended by Ship Owners, Class Surveyors, SMC and Shipyard representatives.”

The ship is scheduled to sail out from shipyard on 19th May 2017.

SMC is pleased to report the Massive Steel Cutting Ceremony in Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding Co., Ltd, China of mv “ORE NINGBO” (Hull No. YZJ2015-2277) and “ORE HONGKONG” (Hull No. YZJ2015-2272), the third and fourth unit from the series of 6 x 400,000 DWT Ore Carrier ordered by ICBC Leasing and HKMW.

The vessel is classed by CCS and will be built to Hongkong flag requirements.

Contract delivery of the vessel is scheduled for October 31st, 2018 / November 30th, 2018.

SMC is pleased to report Delivery in STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, Korea: of mv “ZITA SCHULTE”, Hull No. S4035, the fifth unit from the series of 6 x 12 000 m3 ethylene/LPG/NH3/VCM gas carrier ordered by Ultragas-Europe.

Vessel’s principal particulars: LOA = 146.20m, B = 22.60m, D = 12.10m, T d/s = 7.40/9.30m. Propelled by STX MAN 6S40ME-B9.1 and developing 6,129 KW x 141 rpm at NCR the vessel will operate at the speed of 16.4 knots. All vessels in the series are classed by DnV.GL and will be built to Isle of Man flag requirements.

Classification notes: +1A1 Tanker for liquefied gas, Ship type 2G (-104 deg C, 972 Kg/m3, 5.0 bar), E0, TMON, BIS, COAT-PSPC(B), BWM-E(S) & BWM-T, ICE-C1.

The vessel will be chartered by UNIGAS POOL PARTNERS.

SMC is pleased to report Ship Erection starting in Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding Co. Ltd, China: of mv “INTERLINK CELERITY”, Hull No. TK1022, the 13th unit from the series of 13 X GREEN DOLPHIN 38,800 DWT Bulk Carriers ordered by Marine Capital Corporation, Bermuda.

Vessel’s principal particulars: LOA = 180.0 m, B = 32.0 m, D = 15.0 m, T d/s = 9.5/10.5 m. Propelled by MAN 5S50ME-B9.3 Tier II engine and developing 4575 KW x 89.9 rpm at CSR the vessel will operate at the speed of 14 knots at 9.50 draft. All vessels in the series are classed by Lloyd’s Register and will be built to Marshall Islands flag requirements.

Classification notes: LR +100A1 Bulk Carrier, CSR, BC-A, Hold Nos. 2, 4 may be empty, Grab [20], ESP, Ship Right (CM, ACS(B,D)), *IWS, LI, ECO(P, BWT, EEDI, IHM), Ice Class 1C FS. + LMC, UMS; With Descriptive notes: Ship Right ((BWMP (F,T), SCM, SERS).

Delivery of the vessel is scheduled for 30th Oct 2017.

SMC is pleased to report launching ceremony in Guangzhou GSI International Shipyard, China of ORE CARRIER “MATILDA”, Hull No. H14121003, the first vessel out of 4 x 261, 000 DWT ordered by FMG International Pte. Ltd.

SMC is pleased to report Delivery Signing Ceremony in Nanjing Dong Ze Shipbuilding, China: of mv “Spil Hasya”, Hull No. Dz-52, the third unit from the series of 4 x 900 TEU Container vessel ordered by Asia Pacific Shipmanagement Pte Ltd.

Vessel’s principal particulars: LOA = 135.70m, B = 22.50m, D = 10.2m, T d/s = 5.6m. Propelled by MAN 5S35MC-C9.2 developing 2975 kW x 142 rpm at NCR the vessel will operate at the speed of 12.5 knots. All vessels in the series are classed by Chinese Class Society and was built to Indonesian flag requirements.

Classification notes: CSAD Container Ship; Greater Coastal Service; Loading Computer (S,I,D); In-Water Survey; CSM MCC

Delivery of the vessel was done on 26th April 2017.

SMC is pleased to report Keel Laying Ceremony in Nanjing Dong Ze Shipbuilding, China: of Hull No. Dz-58, the third unit from the series of 2 x 558 TEU Container vessel ordered by Asia Pacific Shipmanagement Pte Ltd.

Vessel’s principal particulars: LOA = 119.90m, B = 21.80m, D = 7.30m, T d/s = 5.2m. Propelled by MAN 8320ZCd-8 developing 2206 kW x 525 rpm at NCR equipped with ratio reduction gearbox 3.449:1; the vessel will operate at the speed of 10.7 knots. All vessels in the series are classed by Chinese Class Society and was built to Indonesian flag requirements.

Classification notes: CSAD Container Ship; Greater Coastal Service; Loading Computer (S,I); In-Water Survey; CSMD

Delivery of the vessel is scheduled for 26th September 2017.