Windea-La-Cour Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

In a remarkable achievement for the offshore renewable sector, Siemens Wind Power, BS Offshore, and Ulstein were jointly awarded the prestigious OSJ Offshore Renewables Award 2017, recognizing their innovative Service Operation Vessel (SOV), 'Windea La Cour'. This accolade is granted to a project, company, or product that has made a noteworthy impact on the offshore renewable market during the previous year, specifically in 2016. The standout feature that contributed to 'Windea La Cour’s' victory is its unique X-STERN aft hull design, which is engineered to enhance efficiency during wind farm operations. With this design, operators can significantly reduce time previously spent maneuvering the vessel, as it allows for seamless operations while moving backward — a necessity for servicing wind turbines. Reports indicate that offshore wind service vessels often operate in reverse for an impressive 50-70% of their time on site after reaching the wind farms. Highlights from the vessel's exceptional capabilities were showcased during its sea trials, captured in an informative video. Delivered in 2016, 'Windea La Cour' is currently engaged in operations at the 600 MW Gemini offshore wind power facility located in the Netherlands, setting new standards in offshore wind service efficiency.

The inaugural wind farm service vessel, christened 'WINDEA LA COUR', was officially launched in Hamburg by godmother Sophie Schulte. This vessel marks a significant collaboration between Bernhard Schulte, a prominent shipping company based in Hamburg, and Beijing's ICBC Leasing. Named after the pioneering Danish meteorologist Poul la Cour, the vessel is set to operate at the Gemini wind farm in the Netherlands, working alongside Siemens Wind Power Service to facilitate the output of renewable energy from 150 wind turbines. As the first of two Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) constructed at Ulstein Verft in Norway, 'WINDEA LA COUR' signifies a new chapter in offshore wind service capabilities. Both vessels are co-owned in partnership with ICBC Leasing. Ian Beveridge, CEO of Bernhard Schulte, expressed enthusiasm about the endeavor, stating, 'We are delighted to deepen our long-standing partnership with ICBC Leasing through this joint venture to support Siemens, a collaboration that began at the Chinese-German trade conference attended by Li Keqiang and Angela Merkel in 2014.' The dimensions of 'WINDEA LA COUR' are impressive, measuring 88 meters in length and 18 meters in width, with a speed capability of 13.5 knots. The vessel is equipped with accommodations for up to 60 personnel and features a motion-compensated gangway system (Uptime) that ensures safe transfer of technicians to each wind turbine. This innovative vessel is set to enhance the efficiency of offshore wind energy operations, leading the way toward sustainable energy solutions.

In a strategic collaboration, Bernhard Schulte Offshore (BS Offshore) and Siemens commissioned a state-of-the-art service operation vessel from Ulstein Verft back in 2015, capitalizing on the advantages of having design and construction under one roof. The highly anticipated vessel was officially delivered on June 23, 2016. Matthias Müller, Managing Director at Bernhard Schulte Offshore GmbH, stated, "We evaluated various shipyards globally, but ultimately selected Ulstein Verft due to the distinct benefit of having both designer and builder in one location. Their philosophy mirrors ours—consistently striving to exceed customer expectations.” Tore Ulstein, deputy CEO and Head of Market & Innovations at Ulstein Group, remarked, “We have partnered to create a versatile and efficient ship solution tailored for the offshore wind service industry. The project has proceeded seamlessly, with our teams engaging in productive discussions that harness our combined expertise. We take pride in delivering this innovative SOV vessel on time and are confident it will meet the operational needs of BS Offshore and Siemens exceptionally well.”