The Jones Act compliant rock installation vessel design, known as ULSTEIN S211, has been developed by Rotterdam based Ulstein Design & Solutions. The contract includes the option for a second vessel.
US dredging company Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co (GLDD) has ordered an Ulstein-designed rock installation vessel which will be constructed by Philly Shipyard and is expected to enter operations by the end of 2024, to serve the US offshore wind market.
Eleni Beyko, GLDD SVP Offshore Wind, said: “Ulstein Design and Solutions was commissioned by us to design the vessel using state-of-the-art technology, equipment and automation. The design was reviewed and approved by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and will be built with best-in-class safety and low emissions standards (LEV, Sustain2).”
To reach the low emission and sustainability goals, the 140.5m long DP2 vessel design includes four EPA Tier 4 engines, two of 3150kW and two of 2250kW, plug-in shore power connection for loading in ports and battery packs for peak-shaving. The vessel is able to run on biofuel to reduce its CO2 footprint and is equipped with active emission control technology to minimise NOx emissions.
In the concept phase, the Ulstein Blended Design method was used to enhance cargo efficiency, boost the GLDD business case, and reduce overall fuel consumption.
Ko Stroo, lead designer, Ulstein Design & Solutions, said: “It is a privilege to work together with the GLDD newbuilding team. Their vast experience in US shipbuilding, combined with our expertise of rock installation vessel design, was essential in creating this unique vessel for US offshore wind sector.”
