Newbuild trenching vessel based on Ulstein’s proven subsea vessel platform
Jan De Nul has selected a customised vessel design from Ulstein Design & Solutions AS for the latest addition to its offshore fleet, advancing a collaboration between the two maritime companies. The newbuild trenching vessel will be based on a robust and globally proven subsea vessel platform developed by Ulstein. The design will be tailored to meet Jan De Nul’s operational requirements for offshore trenching and subsea activities. Delivery of the vessel is scheduled for 2028.
This custom-designed vessel with its deck space and deadweight will 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 at Jan De Nul says, ” 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 at Ulstein Design & Solutions AS states: “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 vessel design is engineered for modularity, supporting a broad range of offshore sectors, including energy, construction, and deepwater 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). ULEv is a highly advanced dual exhaust filter system which removes up to 99% of nanoparticles from emissions using a diesel particulate filter and a reduction system for nitrogen oxides (NOx). The system also 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 the strict European Stage V emission standards for inland waterway vessels. Moreover, the NOx emissions are reduced to such an extent that this vessel meets the even stricter EURO VI emission limits.
