On Friday, 16 August 2024, Shanghai Electric celebrated the combined naming and delivery of two Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) at ZPMC, Qidong base, China. The vessels are based on two different ship designs from Ulstein Design & Solutions AS and are the first purpose-designed vessels for the offshore wind industry in China.
Both vessels are designed with the X-BOW and X-STERN solutions for optimal seakeeping characteristics. The substantially reduced slamming and following vibrations secures comfort and safety for all on board. The outstanding performance encompasses superior station keeping, enhanced wave response, and increased operability in high seas.
The Zhi Cheng 60 is an ULSTEIN SX197 design measuring 72.6m in length and 17.5m in beam. It can accommodate 60 people and has a deck area of 400 sqm.
The Zhi Zhen 100 is based on the larger ULSTEIN SX195 design. With a length of 93.4m and a beam of 18m, it can accommodate up to 100 people and boasts a total deck area of 620 sqm.
Both Service Operation Vessels are outfitted with a cutting-edge battery energy storage system and a DC-based Common Main Drive System, which accommodate the main propulsion drives, the thruster drives and the main distribution system, and high-capacity DP2 dynamic positioning systems. They also feature advanced walk-to-work motion-compensated gangways, offshore cranes, and high-speed daughter crafts, ensuring safe and efficient transfer of personnel and spare parts for wind turbine maintenance.
Implementing SOVs will greatly improve the efficiency of service operations at offshore wind farms in China, including the stages of construction support and operations & maintenance (O&M). These two designs will serve as reliable platforms and provide comfortable working environments at sea. Significant attention has been given to ensuring technicians have safe, seamless access to the wind turbines, along with ample storage and well-organized logistics onboard.
Personnel from Ulstein Design & Solutions AS performed the inclining tests of the vessels as a part of their comprehensive commissioning programme.
Liu Xiangnan, Vice President of Wind Power Company at Shanghai Electric, states that: “The choice for Ulstein design has been based on their market leadership, proven track record and local presence. During the process of developing these concepts, Ulstein has been dedicated to their professionalism and expertise. Close collaborations among Ulstein, the yard ZPMC and Shanghai Electric have set a strong foundation for the projects. Shanghai Electric is the leading provider of offshore wind turbines in China. With these two world-class SOVs, we believe we can bring more value to our clients and provide a safer working environment to our colleagues at sea.”
Managing Director Runar Muren at Ulstein Design & Solutions AS comments: “We are delighted to see the completion of these two SOV vessels for Shanghai Electric and wish the vessels and their crews fair winds and following seas. Our collaboration with the ZPMC shipyard dates back to 2012. Together with Shanghai Electric, we are dedicated to our vision: We create tomorrow’s solutions for sustainable marine operations. We firmly believe that the vessels will be important assets in the sustainable development of the domestic offshore wind industry in China.”
