More done out back

摘要

Confined PSV footprint and need to do more - but don't like working over the side? Then envelope operations inside a slide-out extension. This intriguing vessel 'add-on' is a direct descendent of Ulstein's X-Stern: this gives support vessels a more hydrodynamic rear, allowing them to turn and present a better form to weather and waves while also improving both vessel motion and fuel consumption. But the shape also results in a few limitations when it comes to operations over the aft end. However, Oyvind G Kamsvag of Ulstein explains when the market started to respond to oil price downturn "with a lot of boats coming off charter and sitting around", the company spotted an opportunity: an extension that could be tailored for a wide range of platform support vessels (including retrofits or newbuilds). This would allow the benefits associated with the tapered X-Stern to play out alongside rearward crane or A-frame deployments, making for a more able, rate-competitive vessel.