First-Ever Jones Act Service Operations Vessel to Feature Ulmatec’s Gangway

Norway-based Ulmatec has secured a contract for the supply of a motion compensated gangway and logistics support systems for ECO Edison, the first-ever US-flagged Jones Act-compliant service operations vessel (SOV).

The 32-metre motion compensated gangway has a 12-metre telescope compensation range, infinitely adjustable access height to the offshore wind turbines, an integrated elevator in the gangway pedestal, and the potential for power regeneration during offshore operations, according to Ulmatec.

“Our gangway system is fully DP integrated, assisting the crew in choosing the right access point and route between the wind turbines”, said Bjørn Gjerde, Sales Manager at Ulmatec.

Loading will be simpler with autonomous trolleys along the stepless gangway, the manufacturer said, and loading and unloading of the vessel will be completed with an integrated 6 metric-ton crane function.

For offshore operations, a 3D-compensated, 3 metric-ton crane will be accessible via the underside of the gangway.

“This is our first large contract for a gangway and reinforces our efforts in this market. We have delivered cargo handling systems, boat landings, gangway pedestals, and accessories within this sector for over a decade”, said aid Bjørnar Huse, Chief Commercial Officer at Ulmatec.

“With the gangway, we have a full product program for handling equipment on an offshore wind vessel. Our service organization can fully support the US market with remote assistance from our engineers in Norway”.

The SOV is being built for Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) by North American Shipbuilding, an ECO affiliate located in Louisiana.

The 260-foot long (about 79.2 metres) vessel will be able to accommodate 60 passengers and will operate on diesel-electric power that meets EPA Tier 4 emission standards.

ECO, Ørsted, and Eversource signed a long-term charter agreement for the provision of the SOV in October 2020.

Once delivered in 2024, the SOV will be operated by ECO from New York as an integral part of the operation and maintenance of the Revolution Wind, South Fork Wind, and Sunrise Wind offshore wind farms in the northeast US.

ECO Edison will be used during the operation & maintenance (O&M) phase of the wind farm projects, serving as an at-sea base of operations to accommodate and transfer technicians, tools, and parts to and from the individual wind turbines.

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