Penta-Ocean Construction, a leading Japanese construction company, has entrusted Ulstein Design & Solutions BV with the design of its new heavy-lift vessel . This innovative project is intended to optimize the installation of monopiles in offshore wind farms , with technologies that set a new standard in the industry.
An international collaboration for a cargo ship
The new vessel, known as the ULSTEIN HX118, will be equipped with a 5,000-tonne Huisman main crane and the company’s U-STERN system. This system allows for the storage and turning of monopiles on the vessel’s centreline, improving efficiency and reducing fuel consumption by positioning them facing the waves during installation.
Since 2023, both companies have been working on feasibility studies and model tests at Ulstein’s Rotterdam office, supported by its team in Poland. “ We are proud to collaborate with Penta-Ocean Construction on this ambitious project ,” said Ko Stroo, lead designer at Ulstein Design & Solutions BV.
Technology and sustainability for the future of wind energy
The HX118 vessel will be the largest X-BOW vessel built to date and will set new standards for sustainability. Its design allows for the installation of increasingly larger monopiles without compromising the stability or efficiency of the vessel, making it a key asset for the growth of offshore wind energy .
Construction of the vessel will take place at the Seatrium shipyard in Singapore, with Ulstein supporting all phases of the project until completion.
This heavy-lift vessel strengthens Penta-Ocean’s position in the Japanese market and also reaffirms Ulstein’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector. As offshore wind farms grow in scale and complexity, solutions such as the HX118 will be essential to meet the energy demands of the future.
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Source and photo: Ulstein
