Acta Marine orders two next generation methanol powered CSOVs

Image courtesy of Ulstein Design & Solutions.

“Acta Marine is growing along with the ofshore wind construction market by ordering these two vessels while remaining one of the leaders in this feld. The dedicated SX-216 design with a Twin-X stern, an integrated walk-towork gangway system and 3D crane, and its hotel style accommodation represents a next step in responding to the market needs”, says Rob Boer, Managing Director at Acta Marine.

Mr Boer continues, “A frst in ofshore wind, this vessel will be capable of operating on dual fuel methanol and MDO/HVO enabling a strong carbon footprint reduction in the near future in combination with a battery power system. Furthermore, we are very excited that we have been able to sign an agreement with Tersan Shipyard that is well known for its quality and professionalism.” “We are very pleased that Acta Marine has chosen Tersan for this project. We are looking forward to the cooperation and to deliver the new vessels to the growing renewables industry”, comments Sakir Erdogan, BD Director at Tersan Shipyard.

The vessels are primarily aimed at the ofshore wind construction market and carry the new SX-216 Twin-X Stern design from Ulstein Design & Solutions that was exclusively designed for and in cooperation with Acta Marine. The Ulstein Twin X-Stern has several characteristics, but the easiest way to describe it is as a ship with two sterns and four main propeller units: two at each end. The proven X-Stern at each end results in excellent operability with either end towards the weather, without limitation on vessel speed. “Being a leading actor

Rob Boer – Managing Director at Acta Marine.

in the renewable energy business, it is paramount to be prepared for a future where zero or low-carbon fuels are available. Acta Marine has a strong wish to ofer their clients the largest possible reduction of emissions straight from delivery of the vessels. Therefore, these vessels required a practical and timely available solution to reduce their carbon footprint from the outset of the design”, says Erwin Jager, Sales Manager at Ulstein Design & Solutions.

“The carbon footprint of Marine Gas Oil (MGO) makes it non-sustainable as the sole choice for the future”, Mr Jager adds. “Currently, the decision on what alternative fuel to focus on can be overwhelming as it is afected by many factors internally and externally. Through a decision support process, developed by Ulstein to guide owners in the myriad of choices to be made, a matrix of alternative fuels has been evaluated towards a set of criteria unique to the shipowner and the business case. Through this process, methanol came out as the winner for this project, with the best overall score. The energy density and storage of methanol is favourable, it is an accessible energy source, and there are dual fuel engines available in the market that can handle both methanol and diesel.”

In-feld agility, high operability and workability, safe transfer of people and cargo, optimised on-board logistics, high productivity, and high comfort for charterers’ crews are of eminent value throughout the design of this vessel. With a strong ESG and sustainability focus Acta Marine sees methanol as one of the most viable alternatives to minimise her carbon footprint in the marine space and more specifcally for ofshore vessels. “Dual fuel methanol driven propulsion trains score high in terms of technology readiness and are eligible for further enhancement to a single fuel methanol upgrade at a later stage. This will allow early application of signifcant CO2 reduction measures now, while still allowing net-zero operations over the life of the ship”, states Simon Anink, General Manager at Acta Marine.

The CSOV measures 89m in length, 19m in width and accommodates up to 135 people in 85 cabins. It will be equipped with an SMST provided motion compensated gangway system, mounted on an integrated tower with height adjustment and a personnel/ cargo lift. Additionally, the vessel features an SMST 3D-motion compensated crane with 6t lifting capacity. Cargo area is 500m2 indoors, and 500m2 outdoors. The vessel shall provide for walk-to-work transfer of personnel and cargo, efcient and safe in signifcant wave-heights (Hs) up to 3.0m.

Acta Marine’s new CSOVs can take on assignments in commissioning and construction of ofshore wind farm installation phase and perform maintenance tasks on completed wind farms. The frst two vessels are scheduled for delivery Q2 and Q3 2024. Since its pioneering introduction of Walk-to-Work vessel Acta Orion late 2015 followed by Acta Auriga and Acta Centaurus, Acta Marine has transferred over 150,000 workers to and from wind turbines and ofshore structures in sometimes challenging weather conditions. With these new state-of-theart additions to the feet Acta Marine upholds her good name and continues her prominent position in the ofshore wind market.

Photo courtesy of SMST.

Photo courtesy of Acta Marine.