Ulstein Design & Solutions - Experts & Thought Leaders

Megamas Resources announced a ship design contract with Norway-based Ulstein Design & Solutions AS to start the engineering phase on a fibre-optic cable-laying vessel (CLV) planned to be built at the Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven GmbH. Capt. Tiew Sien Kheng, managing partner at Megamas, disclosed the contract at Ulstein's booth at the Nor-Shipping exhibition. Multi-purpose cable laying vessel "The contract marks a significant milestone following the Letter of Intent (LOI) signed in May between Megamas and Lloyd Werft, paving the way for the potential construction of a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose cable laying vessel. Today’s agreement represents the first formal step toward realising this project," stated Kheng. "Ulstein Design & Solutions AS, together with Lloyd Werft, will contribute its extensive expertise to deliver a high-specification, specialised vessel. Conceptual design work began in autumn 2023, centred on the ULSTEIN SX228 – a next-generation fibre-optic cable laying vessel (CLV)," he explained. Renewable energy industries The ULSTEIN SX228 has a deadweight of 8,200 tonnes and a cable capacity of 5,500 tonnes "We are thrilled to collaborate with Megamas Resources on this groundbreaking project. The ULSTEIN SX228 has been designed to meet the highest standards of efficiency and sustainability. Our team, alongside Lloyd Werft, is committed to delivering a vessel that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the subsea telecommunications and renewable energy industries. This contract is a testament to our long expertise in offshore ship designs." The ULSTEIN SX228 has a deadweight of 8,200 tonnes and a cable capacity of 5,500 tonnes. Measuring 121.7 metres in length with a 23-metre beam, the vessel has been specifically optimised for fibre-optic cable laying and is also prepared for future power cable operations. This includes an underdeck carousel integrated into the cable tanks. Cable handling equipment Equipped with two firing lines and all necessary cable handling equipment within an enclosed working area, the vessel ensures safe and efficient operations in challenging offshore environments. Additional features include an ROV hangar for the cable trencher, a 50-tonne A-frame, and a bollard pull capacity of up to 120 tonnes for subsea ploughing. "Developed in collaboration with Crewstone International Private Equity & Investments, the project addresses the global shortage of specialised offshore vessels. These vessels will play a key role in supporting both the renewable energy and subsea telecommunications industries," Kheng said, and concluded: "The vessel is designed to meet DNV’s Clean (Design) and Recyclable class notations, underscoring Megamas’ commitment to sustainable practices and environmentally responsible shipbuilding. Megamas aims to deliver the first vessel by the end of 2027."

thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has a long and proven legacy of designing and delivering world-class frigates. Since 1980, 78 vessels have been delivered across 11 different classes, demonstrating deep expertise, innovation, and reliability in naval shipbuilding. Ulstein Group also brings a strong legacy in designing the most advanced marine platforms for demanding operations. With decades of experience in offshore and specialised vessels, Ulstein is known for innovation, safety, and performance in extreme environments. Alternative for the Norwegian Navy Ulstein and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems are corps that place a strong focus on delivery precision Both Ulstein and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems are organisations that place a strong focus on delivery precision and project execution. Reliable, on-time delivery is a hallmark of both companies, making this partnership a dependable and capable alternative for the Norwegian Navy. By combining the shared expertise in naval and commercial shipbuilding, this partnership represents a strong and future-ready alternative for the Norwegian Navy. Collaboration between Ulstein and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS) A strategic boost for the Norwegian maritime industry - tkMS is one of four remaining contenders in a major maritime project.  This is the only European alternative that includes building in Norway. Background Ulstein signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with tkMS on March 26, 2025, based on shared values and strategies. Both companies have experience building vessels in the customer’s home country. One example is the frigate program in Brazil, where tkMS is realising these vessels at its own shipyard. tkMS places strong emphasis on technology transfers, ensuring long-term competence building and industrial development in the partner country. Building strategy Hull production in Germany and outfitting in Norway – a well-known and proven model for how Ulstein is realising commercial vessels.  tkMS has decades of experience with this model and with frigate design. Opportunities for Norwegian industry The new design offers significant opportunities for Norwegian equipment suppliers to integrate their products and systems. The majority of the project’s scope is planned to be carried out in Norway. The outfitting phase alone is expected to engage 400–430 people continuously. In addition, there will be personnel from companies delivering systems such as ventilation, interior, painting, etc. Employment and ripple effects The multiplier effect is significant: 1 man-year at a shipyard → 3.0–3.5 man-years in the supply chain. An additional 2.0–2.5 man-years from investment effects, consumption, and tax revenues. These figures apply to the construction phase – the operational phase of the vessels will generate further effects. Conclusion Major opportunity for value creation in the region and across the Norwegian maritime industry This is the only European alternative that includes building in Norway – bringing with it substantial employment and ripple effects. It represents a major opportunity for value creation in the region and across the Norwegian maritime industry. Huge opportunities for Norwegian suppliers. This new design is now under development, offering significant potential for Norway’s world-class maritime suppliers. The scope is not limited to the 5–6 Norwegian frigates–this frigate design will also be built for the German Navy, with totally 10-12 planned, and a potential for substantial more. Supplier meeting points–Week 21 Please be informed that there will be supplier gatherings in Kristiansand (20 May), Ålesund (21 May), and Bergen (22 May). These events are an opportunity to meet the thyssenkrupp Marine Systems team and present the products and systems relevant to the frigate programme.

The Olympic Zeus marked a significant advancement in maritime technology and a disruptive step into reduced environmental footprints upon its delivery in 2009. It gained tremendous attention in the Anchor-Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) market by adopting a hybrid Diesel-Electric/Diesel-Mechanical (DE/DM) power system, unlike its predecessors that relied on solely Diesel-Mechanical (DM) propulsion. Reduction in fuel consumption Innovation resulted in an impressive reduction in fuel consumption by up to 70% in specific modes This innovation resulted in an impressive reduction in fuel consumption by up to 70% in specific modes, and astonishing clients. “The Olympic Zeus was the best! Today, 15 years later, she is still among the best,” comments the shipowner, Olympic Shipping. In 2024, this groundbreaking vessel celebrated its 15th anniversary. Reducing the environmental footprint The vessel is based on the ULSTEIN A122 design by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS and constructed at Ulstein Verft. It is state-of-the-art in multiple ways, including the hybrid machinery, deep-water capabilities, excellent seakeeping, and performance characteristics that ensure outstanding fuel economy and low emissions. Already 15 years ago, Olympic Shipping and Ulstein had a strong focus on reducing the environmental footprint of the vessels. "It is still an excellent vessel with a very relevant setup, and there are not many other vessels around even today that can compete with it," Runar Stave, Chief Technical Officer of Olympic Shipping.