Press Release

Mikkel Windolf, Senior Product Innovation Manager at Orsted: “Technology is constantly evolving and changing. However, vessel designs have remained relatively stable in the offshore wind business until now. The SES design is for the specific sites where transit distance and time suits. The SES vessel is signalling a change for the offshore market to move towards more specialised product that is aimed at solving unique challenges.”

 

 

 

The fastest crew transfer boats come the UK’s offshore wind industry.

Ørsted have commissioned three new vessels called Surface Effect Ships (SES) to improve the journey for technicians to turbines.

 

Ørsted, over the last couple of years, have trialled and investigated different options for transfer to the turbine, and today can reveal that three SES vessels have been signed for with World Marine Offshore.

 

The SES is twice as fast as a normal Crew Transfer Vessel, meaning Ørsted’s technicians will be able to get to turbines a lot quicker.

 

The new vessels have technology to help the waves pass under the vessel, with an air cushion that acts as a damper, ensuring much more stable transfers to and from the wind turbines. There is also 25% reduced fuel consumption compared to competing vessels in high speed.

 

The three vessels will be in operation on the East Coast of England from June 15th.  One will be on hire, with two being new builds for Ørsted.

 

Hans Schneider, CEO of World Marine Offshore: “We are excited to partner with Ørsted and in supplying the innovative SES technology. This secures a comfortable, safe, and fuel-efficient solution, and helps towards a lower Levelized Cost of Energy. From the early trials back in 2019-20 to now, we are at the exciting part of the process with delivering the fastest and most stable vessels in the wind industry”

 

The first SES vessel was deployed at a trial in Denmark back in early 2019. Assessing performance, talking to suppliers, and refining the design have led to a robust setup for our Race Bank wind farm where the SES vessels will replace the hotel like Service Operations Vessel currently operating the wind farm.

 

Mikkel Windolf, Senior Product Innovation Manager at Orsted: “Technology is constantly evolving and changing. However, vessel designs have remained relatively stable in the offshore wind business until now. The SES design is for the specific sites where transit distance and time suits. The SES vessel is signalling a change for the offshore market to move towards more specialised product that is aimed at solving unique challenges.”

 

More news from Wavecraft™

Press Release

28. April 2022

World Marine Offshore orders Ørsted-bound crew transfer vessels from Umoe Mandal 28 April 2022 – Danish crew transfer vessel operator World Marine Offshore (WMO) has contracted Norwegian shipbuilder Umoe Mandal…

New charter.

24. November 2021

We are pleased that Umoe Rapid has returned on a new charter on the Ørsted operated Borselle 1 & 2 windfarm after a 7 months absent. We are confident that…

We have been busy!

18. November 2021

We are proude to announce that Umoe Rapid has reached a milestone – making the incredible sailed distance of 5 times around the globe in only 5 years. On the…


5. July 2019

The future is here!

Foresight technology pilot now in operation onboard the WAVECRAFT ™ Umoe Firmus. The system is now in pilot operation including key mechanical components onboard the ship. The system monitors machinery…


4. July 2019

Maintenance and modifications to WAVECRAFT ™ Umoe Firmus

WAVECRAFT ™ Umoe Firmus has been refurbished. WAVECRAFT ™ Umoe Firmus has been refurbished from 12 to 24 Pax (IP). There is still spacious and comfortable seating arrangements for the…


5. February 2018

Latest innovation for the O&G sector – Voyager 38 X

Unveiling new member of the Voyager family, Voyager 38 X, high-performance Crew Transfer Vessels for the Oil & Gas sector WAVECRAFT™ Voyager 38 X is a seagoing innovation, designed to…


8. January 2018

Wind giant tests fierce “seaplane” outside Esbjerg at 78 kilometers/hour

“Ørsted (former Dong Energy) is currently testing a hybrid between a hovercraft and a catamaran, called a “Surface Effect Ship” between Esbjerg Port and Horns Rev 2. With a max…


21. December 2017

Umoe Mandal awarded support by The Research Council of Norway

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…


13. December 2017

Voyager series further enhances safety with a newly added DP 2 system

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…


13. December 2017

Sailing up to 250 nm per day, and not slowing down.

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…


1. November 2017

Umoe Mandal AS authorized with NS-EN ISO 9001:2015

We are proud to announce to have been granted ISO Management System certificate on October 10, 2017 Our QHSE philosophy has always been rooted in the conviction that our employees…


21. August 2017

Umoe Rapid completes charter at Hywind Scotland

Umoe Rapid completes charter at world’s first floating wind farm, Statoil’s Hywind Scotland pilot park Umoe Rapid has successfully completed its first charter at world’s first floating wind farm 30…


26. April 2017

Launching WAVECRAFT™ Voyager 32– the seaborne helicopter

Launching new WAVECRAFT™ Voyager series for offshore Oil & Gas sector Umoe Mandal’s WAVECRAFT™ series of high-speed, all-composite service vessels have been purpose-designed for fast crew transport, and offer offshore…


10. March 2017

WAVECRAFT ™ vessel Umoe Firmus starts on Gemini offshore wind farm

Leo Hambro, MD of Tidal Transit and operator of Umoe Firmus, reported that the vessel is performing exceptionally well on the site, cutting the transit times from three hours to one and half.


15. February 2017

What should be Norway’s Offshore Wind strategy?

Umoe Mandal takes part in the Climate Breakfast event at Norwegian Climate Foundation (Norsk Klimastiftelse) discussing new possibilities in Offshore Wind sector. Watch Tom Harald Svennevig, CEO of Umoe Mandal…


27. January 2017

Statoil tests a vessel that will help reduce seasickness on the job

Technicians are not sailors. They get seasick just like many others. In addition, a long boat trip in rough seas is not the best way to recharge for a workday…


20. October 2016

Seasick offshore technicians have become a big problem. This vessel will solve the issue.

Seasick technicians are a serious problem for Statoil’s offshore wind farm projects. In addition to being unpleasant for those personally effected, it is also a safety risk and it causes problems with efficiency.


17. June 2015

Carbon Trust hosts first UK demonstration of innovative access vessel for offshore wind industry

Wave Craft vessel impresses at international boat show.


9. August 2014

Wave Craft vessels will be operating in the North Sea

Wave Craft vessels will be operating on the Borkum Riffgrund 1 Offshore Wind Farm in the North Sea. One of the Carbon Trust’s Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA) Access Competition winners Umoe Mandal has secured a second order for its Wave Craft vessel.


22. October 2013

OWA funded wave craft to be built

One of the Carbon Trust’s Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA) Access Competition winners Umoe Mandal has signed a contract to build their vessel – the Wave Craft.