Bernhard Schulte Offshore (BSO) has won General Electric (GE) Renewable Energy’s tender to provide a new-build Service Operation Vessel (SOV) to support the maintenance of the 66 Haliade 150-6MW turbines located 28 miles from Germany’s Borkum Island. The total capacity of 396MW will produce enough power for almost half a million homes.

BSO’s winning bid showcases the Schulte Group as a strong partner with a track-record in the operation of SOVs in several wind farms. A vessel design built by the Ulstein yard, which is known for high quality and on-time delivery, was presented.

The SX195 design type was modified to fulfil the GE Renewable Energy tender requirements and the ship owner’s special choices of mission equipment. Notably, it will comprise a large, centrally positioned, walk-to-work motion compensated gangway and have an X-STERN® hull shape, which leads to improved weather resistance, greater operability and a reduced power and fuel consumption while on dynamic position.

The vessel will be 93.4 metres long and 18 metres wide, optimised for offshore wind, able to accommodate up to 120 passengers and best suited for work within areas such as operation and maintenance or construction support.