Bourbon Orca: First X-Bow Dynamic Positioning Vessel

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Bourbon Orca: The First X-Bow Vessel

5 November 2009 3 Comments

Launched in 2006, the Bourbon Orca was the first vessel to utilize a unique hull shape, designed by Ulstein. It would not be their last.

A new Ulstein X-Bow

The first thing one notices about this vessel is the new shape of its hull. This vessel is equipped with a hull, with an inverted bow. Instead of moving above the level of the sea, it rises toward the back. This concept has been named the Ulstein X-Bow.

The vessel can cut through the waves so that interior noise and vibrations are reduced. The shape of the hull results in a decrease in pitching and, as a result, the bridge is hit with fewer water sprays. All these elements enhance the safety of operations in heavy swells.

“We were truly excited about the design of this vessel and the tank trials showed us that this hull offers exceptional advantages over traditional hulls,” explained Trond Myklebust, Managing Director of Bourbon Offshore Norway. “In addition to the fact that it reduces fuel consumption, this hull improves onboard comfort, offering the crews greater safety and rest. In choosing this type of vessel, we are setting a radically new standard for the future of offshore supply vessels,” he adds.

Because of its shape, the vessel increases its cruising speed in all weather, and achieves substantial fuel savings.

Safe Anchor Handling System (SAHS)

From the beginning of this project, Bourbon Offshore Norway, partnered with Ulstein and ODIM in order to develop a solution to improve personnel safety on the after deck of the vessel. This collaboration produced the SAHS System (Safe Anchor Handling System) which eliminates any human presence on the after deck of the vessel during the most dangerous operations.

The after deck is equipped with two powerful mobile cranes equipped with articulated grappling hooks, a control system and a remote activated video surveillance system, as well as a mobile anchor handling platform system to replace the traditional stern roller. As a result, no member of the crew is on the after deck, which prevents any risk from handling equipment or a cable failure.

Diesel-electric propulsion

The vessel will be the first anchor handling tug supply vessels in the world designed for the North sea environment equipped with diesel-electric propulsion.

The diesel-electric propulsion system reduces the total cost of operation and maintenance. Environmentally toxic gas emissions are also reduced, and the vessel gains maneuverability. While more traditional propulsion systems are less expensive to purchase, a vessel equipped with diesel-electric propulsion system will achieve substantial fuel savings. Moreover, reducing the operating rate of the engines reduces engine wear accordingly.

“The brand new AX104 from Ulstein will be one of the first AHTS vessels in the world equipped with diesel-electric propulsion,” announced Ulstein. “With a conventional propulsion system all the motors of an AHTS run continuously. With this type of propulsion, only the power required is supplied. This is a significant asset, both on the financial level and for the environment,” says Bourbon Offshore Norway Marketing Director Eirik Eide.

The propulsion system is paired to a Class 2 Dynamic Positioning System.

Bourbon Offshore Norway has achieved an amazing advance in innovation by

participating in the development of an Ulstein AX104 anchor handling vessel, equipped with the new Ulstein X-Bow™ hull design from Ulstein Design AS. This vessel offers three innovations: inverted bow, a new secure anchor handling system, and diesel-electric propulsion.