James Fisher and Sons and Graig Shipping have unveiled a service operation vessel (SOV) concept, the Ulstein Twin X-Stern, or ‘SX221 Diamond’ to which they are applying a business model used successfully in other sectors such as bulk shipping
The key features of the Diamond business model include the development of an initial design concept for a ‘fit for purpose’ vessel that is attractive to a wide buyer audience. This design is refined and tested to ensure ‘best-in-class’ status, working closely with classification societies. The partners then find yards and negotiate prices and specifications for contracts and options, preparing and executing contractual documents, finding buyers, supervising construction through to delivery, and subsequently undertaking commercial management and ship management for the vessels.
James Fisher and Graig are collaborating in the ‘Diamond Consortium’ with support from DNV and design partner, Ulstein Design Solutions. They hope to provide the offshore wind industry with a ’future-proof’ design to address increased demand for SOVs.
James Fisher group business development manager Jim Hey said, “The philosophy behind the Diamond SOV has been successfully applied to other vessel segments for many years: developing a specification that meets a market need while allowing for a high degree of customisation and configuration for individual owners and developers.
“In so far as we are targeting series volumes and the vessels are available to multiple ship operators including ourselves, it is like the earlier Diamond business model,” Mr Hey told OWJ. “Ulstein’s X-Bow platform supply vessel achieved a similar effect. The name for the vessels was also chosen because Diamond has a great deal of cultural significance in Asia, and for its endurance and the multifaceted role of an SOV.
“We chose to go with Ulstein due to their history of successful innovative designs and believe the Twin X-Stern to be the best choice for service operations of offshore windfarms.
“Building SOVs in series achieves significant economies of scale and delivers a design that can be built in multiple yards simultaneously. Considering the anticipated market demand for SOVs in the UK and beyond by the end of the decade, this concept places the UK at the centre of enabling global offshore wind ambitions.”
Graig Shipping chief executive Hugh Williams said, “We have successfully partnered over many years with DNV on the Graig-led Diamond business model and we are now applying this proven, scalable strategy to the global offshore wind market with a particular focus on UK waters, helping to meet the challenging environmental goals in front of us.”
The Diamond Consortium said it is currently in discussion with shipyard groups to reach specifications “in conjunction with valued customers,” with the first vessel capable of being completed by the end of 2024.
