James Fisher and Graig Shipping have revealed a new service operation vessel (SOV) concept.
The partners have launched the Ulstein Twin X-SternTM SOV SOV concept aimed at “transforming the UK’s offshore wind supply chain”.
James Fisher and Graig’s Ulstein SX221 Diamond SOV will support the UK’s target of 50GW of offshore wind energy generation by 2030, as part of its Net Zero Strategy.
The concept is the result of extensive collaboration by the Diamond Consortium, a collaboration between James Fisher and Graig with support from DNV and design partner, Ulstein Design Solutions.
The Diamond SOV concept will “address the supply chain chasm threatening to stymie offshore wind progress with a scalable, modular solution that can be achieved through high volume series construction to meet developer time and budgetary constraints”.
With a significantly reduced energy consumption and increased manoeuvrability, the vessel will also help developers lower scope 3 emissions in the construction of offshore wind farms.
Jim Hey, group business development director at James Fisher, said: “We chose to go with Ulstein due to their history of successful innovative designs and believe the Twin X-Stern to be the best choice for service operations of offshore wind farms.
“Building SOVs in series volumes achieves significant economies of scale and delivers a design that can be built in multiple yards simultaneously.
“Considering the anticipated market demand for SOVs in the UK and beyond by the end of the decade, this exciting new concept places the UK at the centre of enabling global offshore wind ambitions.”
The Diamond Consortium is in discussion with major shipyard groups to reach specifications in conjunction with valued customers, with the first vessel capable of being completed by the end of 2024.