hina’s Shanghai Electric, a power generation and electrical equipment manufacturer, has officially commemorated the christening and delivery of two pioneering Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) at ZPMC’s Qidong Marine Engineering Shipyard. The Zhi Cheng 60 and Zhi Zhen 100 are the first purpose-built vessels for the Chinese offshore wind sector using innovative designs from Ulstein Design and Solutions AS.
The new SOVs feature Ulstein’s unique X-BOW and X-STERN designs, improving seakeeping by reducing slamming and vibrations.
The enhanced design provides increased comfort and safety for the crew onboard, as well as enhanced station holding, wave response, and operability in high seas. The Zhi Cheng 60, based on the Ulstein SX197 design, is 72.6 meters long and 17.5 meters wide. Its deck area is 400 square meters, and its overall capacity is 60 passengers. The larger Zhi Zhen 100, based on the Ulstein SX195 design, is 93.4 meters long and 18 meters wide. It can accommodate up to 100 passengers on a 620-square-meter deck.
Both SOVs are outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, including a battery energy storage system, a DC-based common main drive system, and a high-capacity DP2 dynamic positioning system.
The vessels also feature advanced walk-to-work motion-compensated gangways, offshore cranes, and high-speed daughter crafts, which allow for efficient personnel and equipment transfer for wind turbine maintenance.
The Vice President of Wind Power Company at Shanghai Electric, Liu Xiangnan, stated that with these world-class SOVs, they intend to add more value to their clients and provide a safer working environment for their employees.
The Managing Director of Ulstein Design & Solutions, Runar Muren, stated that the collaboration between Ulstein and ZPMC shipyard dates back to 2012. The vessels will be a crucial asset in the long-term development of China’s offshore wind industry.
The deployment of these purpose-designed SOVs is expected to improve the effectiveness of offshore wind farm operations in China, including construction support and continuing maintenance, by providing a safer, more efficient working environment and streamlining logistics.
Reference: Ulstein
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