Bernhard Schulte Offshore (BSO) continues to grow its modern offshore wind fleet with the addition of ‘Windea Clarke’, which was recently delivered from Ulstein Verft.
Windea Clarke is the fourth CSOV (commissioning service operation vessel) delivered to BSO from Ulstein Verft within the past year, and the seventh offshore wind service vessel of Ulstein design in the fleet. Together, these vessels form a core part of BSO’s strategy to provide high-quality, future-ready offshore service capacity.
Matthias Müller, MD BSO, said: “With Windea Clarke, we are completing a strategically important series of vessels that strengthens our ability to support offshore projects with reliable tonnage while significantly reducing the environmental footprint. It enables us to deliver efficient and scalable services across construction, commissioning and maintenance phases to the global offshore energy industry.”
With Windea Clarke, BSO continues to invest in CSOVs purpose-built for safe, efficient and sustainable offshore operations. The vessels support both construction and long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) activities. All four vessels delivered to BSO over the past year feature Ulstein’s Twin X-Stern solution, ensuring high manoeuvrability, reduced motions, and improved operational efficiency in demanding offshore conditions. Combined with hybrid battery propulsion and a design prepared for future methanol fuel, the series of vessels is optimised for low-emission operations.
Windea Clarke offers up to 90 cabins with windows for charterers’ offshore personnel. In total, there are 111 cabins providing comfortable living conditions for up to 132 individuals. The vessel is tailored for high operational uptime and personnel well-being. The centrally positioned offshore access system includes a height-adjustable walk-to-work gangway and an integrated elevator tower for safe and efficient transfer of personnel and cargo.
The vessel is equipped with a helideck for helicopters up to 8.6t, as well as a 3D motion-compensated crane with a lifting capacity of up to 5t. Storage areas and step-free logistics solutions further enhance onboard efficiency, while a height-adjustable boat landing system enables safe transfers to smaller vessels. During sea trials, Windea Clarke achieved the voluntary DNV Silent-E class notation for reduced environmental noise emissions.
Gunvor Ulstein, Ulstein Group CEO, said: “The delivery of Windea Clarke marks another milestone in our strong and valued partnership with Bernhard Schulte Offshore. Their continued trust in Ulstein reflects a shared ambition to challenge the oceans and push the boundaries of offshore vessel designs. Over the past year, this collaboration has brought several next-generation CSOVs into service.”
The vessel is named after the American electrical engineer and academic Edith Clarke, continuing BSO’s tradition of honouring leading scientists. Sister vessels in the series include Windea Curie, Windea Clausius, and Windea Carnot.
Image: The ‘Windea Clarke’ strengthens BSO’s fleet of next-generation offshore vessels (credit: Ulstein Group)
