PaxOcean and Ulstein join forces to deliver NYK’s next-generation offshore wind SOV
PaxOcean Group, a member of Kuok Maritime Group, and Ulstein Design & Solutions AS have signed a contract for the design and construction of a new ULSTEIN SX222 Service Operation Vessel (SOV) for NYK Line (Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha).
The vessel will be constructed at PaxOcean’s Graha yard in Batam, Indonesia, and will be deployed to support offshore wind construction, operations and maintenance activities, providing accommodation and logistical support for personnel working offshore.
Based on Ulstein’s proven SX222 design, the new SOV will measure 89.6 metres in length with a 19.2-metre beam and will accommodate up to 120 people.
Featuring Ulstein’s TWIN X-STERN® hull design, the vessel is designed for high manoeuvrability, efficient station-keeping and reduced energy consumption. The symmetrical hull shape and propulsion arrangement allow the vessel to operate efficiently in either direction. This reduces the need to turn when weather conditions change and supports a wider operational window.
The vessel will be prepared for methanol and fully electric operations, providing flexibility to adopt lower-emission energy solutions. It will have double classification from DNV and CR and sail under the Taiwan flag.
“This contract is an important project for PaxOcean Group as we strengthen our capabilities in specialised vessel construction. Together with NYK and Ulstein, we have worked closely and purposefully over time to develop a vessel that meets the customer’s operational requirements and the evolving needs of the offshore wind industry,” says Sidat Senanayake, Group Head of Commercial at PaxOcean.
“For PaxOcean, it is also significant that we are establishing a strong foothold in a segment of tonnage that directly contributes to and enables sustainable solutions. This is an important step in our continued development and in positioning ourselves for the green transition taking place across the maritime industry.”
“We look forward to working closely with PaxOcean and NYK on the realisation of this vessel. This contract represents an important milestone for Ulstein and demonstrates the relevance of our vessel designs and system solutions in the growing offshore wind market in Asia, says Rolf Petter Almli, sales manager at Ulstein Design & Solutions AS.
Ulstein Design & Solutions AS will provide the vessel design and engineering package, while Ulstein Power & Control AS will deliver a fully integrated DC-based hybrid power and automation system, ensuring seamless integration between the vessel design, power generation, energy storage, propulsion, and control systems.
By combining ship design, engineering, system integration, and main equipment into a single delivery, Ulstein will contribute to a coordinated and efficient shipbuilding process. Ulstein’s multidisciplinary teams will work closely with the shipyard and shipowner to optimise the vessel as a complete system.
The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2029.
