OREANDA-NEWS. Rolls-Royce has been selected to design and equip a new Service Operation Vessel for shipowner ?stensj? Rederi. The vessel will support wind farm operations for DONG Energy.

The order is the first for a new ship design from Rolls-Royce developed specifically to support operations in shallow waters at offshore windfarms. The vessel will serve as the base for wind turbine technicians while they perform maintenance work on Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm, off the coast of Lincolnshire, UK.

Johan Rokstad, ?stensj? Rederi AS, chief executive officer, said, “We have worked closely with Rolls-Royce to develop a design we believe will be well suited to servicing the specific operational demands of supporting offshore wind farms. We look forward to continuing this good co-operation in carrying the project through to completion.”

The ship is designed with a high focus on seakeeping capabilities, excellent station keeping performance, improved comfort and safety on board, and reduced fuel consumption. The UT 540 WP was developed in close cooperation with the customer and benefits from over 40 years of UT ship design experience across 800 vessels.

As well as designing the vessel, Rolls-Royce will supply the diesel electric main machinery, consisting of frequency controlled electric driven azimuth thrusters, super silent mounted transverse thrusters, DP2 dynamic positioning system, power electrical system, deck machinery, and the latest generation Acon automation and control system.

Helge Gjerde, Rolls-Royce, President Commercial - Marine, said, “We are delighted that ?stensj? Rederi and DONG Energy have chosen the new Rolls-Royce UT 540 WP design against intense competition. As more wind farms are built further from shore and in more demanding conditions we see opportunities to use our extensive offshore experience to diversify into an exciting new market.”