Umoe Mandal awarded support by The Research Council of Norway

As part of the MAROFF-2 program for research, innovation and sustainability within marine and offshore industries, Umoe Mandal has been granted funding for further development of its WAVECRAFT™ vessel designs for the offshore Oil and Gas sector.

Umoe Mandal will focus on optimizing total vessel concept by conducting a parameter sensitivity study on the most important hull parameters in order to design an even lighter hull construction, which will result in more fuel reduction and lower CO₂ emissions. Other focus areas will include enhanced propulsion solutions and fire restriction. Various calculation and testing programs will be applied, including simulation, model testing, CFD and FEM.

The overall objective of the project is to further develop proven Surface Effect Ship (SES) and air-cushion catamaran technology for a more competitive vessel in regard to construction and operating costs, specifically designed to improve logistics and cost-efficiency of operations in the offshore energy sector.

Umoe Mandal partnered with The Research Council of Norway on an earlier MAROFF-1 project developing WAVECRAFT™ high-speed CTVs for the offshore Renewables industry.

The MAROFF programme aims to actualize Norwegian government’s maritime strategy for promoting innovation and environmentally sustainable value creation in the maritime industries.

The programme provides support and funding to maritime firms and research institutions that initiate specific projects that target to discover innovative solutions to challenges identified in the Maritim21 and MARUT processes.

Read more about Maritime activities and offshore operations (MAROFF)

Voyager 32 and Voyager 38 W2W series for the Oil & Gas sector are now upgraded with a sophisticated Dynamic Positioning 2 system. This optional feature is intended to meet customer and regulatory requirements, while improving safety of crew transfer to/from oil rigs and other offshore installations. The DP system will offer better operational freedom for a vessel positioned in a congested environment, and will contribute to preserving surrounding oceanic eco-system.

Umoe Rapid shows no sign of fatigue after a series of 24/7 crew transfers, sailing up to 250 nm per day.

WAVECRAFT™ Umoe Rapid, operated by World Marine Offshore has recently been awarded a 12 months charter to provide crew and cargo transfer, supporting turbine installation work at one of Germany’s largest and most distant wind farms.

This long-term charter is the latest in a series of jobs Umoe Rapid has been awarded since its delivery in May of this year. The vessel has proved notable performance, working for Statoil at Hywind Scotland, world’s first floating wind farm. Umoe Rapid has also earlier served at German North Sea, performing general crew and cargo transfers, and full substation personnel transfers.

Umoe Rapid’s impressive performance of 45 kn max. speed / 40 kn service speed, safe boatlanding in up to 2.5 m wave height, 25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption, compared to traditional windfarm CTVs in high speed, and substantially reduced seasickness, reported by crew and passengers and shown by third party monitoring, proves this craft to be a reliable and profitable workhorse of a vessel.

Even in rough weather and challenging sea conditions, Umoe Rapid has demonstrated high speed and excellent seakeeping capacity, expanding safe accessibility of wind turbines and other offshore installations to an average of 33 technicians per day.