Ulstein Design & Solutions has been contracted to redesign two 2015-built Ulstein PX121 platform supply vessels (PSVs), the ‘Fugro Resilience’ and the ‘Topaz Endurance’, enabling them to become geotechnical vessels.
The two PSVs were acquired by Fugro earlier in 2023. The Fugro Resilience was previously named Topaz Energy, and Ulstein Verft has been contracted to carry out the conversion work on this vessel.
According to Ulstein, the maritime industry faces the challenge of providing vessels to meet the growing demands of the offshore renewable energy market. Specialised vessels are needed to support offshore wind farms’ construction, maintenance, and operations. Building new vessels from scratch can be time-consuming, and the need for cost-effective, sustainable, and rapid solutions to secure long-term capacity becomes evident. Through vessel conversions, the maritime industry can effectively repurpose existing vessels, saving time and resources compared to constructing new ships.
The cooperation between Fugro and Ulstein aligns with sustainability goals by reducing waste, minimising environmental impact, and promoting a circular economy within the maritime sector. The transformation of the two PX121 PSV vessels exemplifies the possibilities and benefits that vessel retrofitting brings, fuelling the industry’s progress towards a greener and more sustainable maritime future.
The conversions will help Fugro to secure long-term capacity in the global offshore renewable energy market. By retrofitting the two vessels to geotechnical vessels, Fugro can unlock their potential and adapt them to the specific requirements of the offshore wind sector. Ulstein Design & Solutions has redesigned the vessels, and its engineering team has provided the necessary strength calculations and updated plans for the conversion work.
Roy Lindset, sales manager service and aftermarket, Ulstein Design & Solutions, said: “We are grateful for this opportunity to work with Fugro. We enjoy working to prolong a vessel’s lifetime and make it relevant for use in new markets. Ulstein has the resources and facilities to cover the whole process from start to finish.”
The vessels will be modified with geotechnical drill towers and necessary equipment, while on one of the vessels six new cabins will be incorporated.
Roy Moldskred, project manager Ulstein Verft said: “We started our work on this project as soon as the contract was signed, starting with engineering, prefabrication and purchasing. The major conversion work will be to implement a moonpool and build the foundation for a geotechnical drill tower and an A-frame.
Most of the disciplines at Ulstein Verft will be involved in the conversion project.
Martin Sundgot Hansen, sales manager aftermarket Ulstein Verft said: “Having the redesign and the conversion carried out within the companies of Ulstein Group secures efficient project management and in-depth expertise in all our disciplines, including design, power solutions and shipbuilding.”
