Jan De Nul has selected a customised vessel design from Ulstein Design & Solutions for the latest addition to its offshore fleet, an ultra-low emissions trenching vessel scheduled for delivery in 2028.
The basic design is based on Ulstein’s robust and globally proven subsea vessel design, customised to support extensive trenching operations. Subsea trenching is the process of creating a protective channel on the seabed to bury pipelines, power cables, and telecommunication lines.
Muysewinkel Thomas, Project Manager Vessel Construction, Jan De Nul, said: “We chose Ulstein because of their proven vessel design, which provides a strong foundation to integrate all of our operational requirements. This collaboration allows us to combine reliability with tailored solutions for our operations. We look forward to a close and productive cooperation throughout the process. Together, we will deliver a state-of-the-art vessel fully adapted to the needs of our clients and crew.”
Rolf Petter Almli, sales manager, Ulstein Design & Solutions, added: “We greatly appreciate the confidence Jan De Nul has shown by selecting Ulstein Design & Solutions. Jan De Nul is a new customer to us, and we look forward to contributing with a modern and operationally flexible vessel design.”
Ulstein’s design is engineered for modularity, supporting a broad range of offshore sectors, including energy, construction, and deep-water operations. This version will be purpose-built for subsea trenching, ensuring precision performance. The Ulstein X-Bow hull design improves comfort, reduces wave resistance and fuel consumption.
The vessel is an ultra-low emission vessel (ULEv), featuring an advanced dual exhaust filter system which removes up to 99% of nanoparticles from emissions using a diesel particulate filter and a reduction system for NOx. The system significantly reduces exhaust gas pollutants. The engines of the vessel can run on biofuel and green methanol, reducing CO₂ emissions. Thanks to the ULEv system, the vessel complies with European Stage V emission standards for inland waterway vessels. NOx emissions are reduced to such an extent that this vessel meets the even stricter Euro VI emission limits.
Image: Ulstein trenching vessel design for Jan de Nul (source: Ulstein Group)
