A complete company
One of the major differences between Ulstein and most of its competitors is that Ulstein is engaged in the design, construction and production of ships, development of electrical and control systems, and shipping. This provides broad technical expertise and the ability to integrate systems so that the needs of the shipowners can be met in a satisfactory manner.
To participate in the financing of vessels together with their customers is a clearly defined strategy of Ulstein Group. This strategy has been defined to bring new designs and products to the market. The group has received considerable revenues that have established a basis for long-term investments in the group’s development through shipping.
A conspicuous characteristic of the Norwegian shipbuilding industry over the last 15-20 years is the fact that the construction of steel hulls has been moved abroad, especially to Poland and Romania. The construction of steel modules at Ulstein’s division at Vanylven, Norway, has declined greatly as a result of this. Despite of this, they are still operating in Vanylven, primarily concentrating on superstructures, which makes it possible to start the outfitting and finishing of vessels early at the yard in Ulsteinvik.
Own design division
In 1999 it was decided that Ulstein Group should develop its own design division. This sounds like a plain and simple plan, but there were certain problems associated with Vickers.
Vickers protect themselves by strictly limiting Ulstein Group’s use of ship designs. Ulstein would be allowed to develop ship designs, but not allowed to sell them. Vickers could in this way prevent any competition between them and the other shipbuilders and equipment manufacturers.
This was an arrangement that would last for five years. Ulstein Group spent a lot of energy during this time on strength-ening this division. In 2002 Ulstein Design was spun off into a separate company. They increased their knowledge and expertise and developed new types of ships and building methods during these five years. Ulstein Design became the new brand name.
This five-year time limit expired in February 2004. The creation of Ulstein Design has proved to be a profitable investment.
They have for example implemented a modular system for designing, outfitting and building ships. This means that they divide the ship into modules. Examples of modules are engine rooms or accommodation modules. In this connection it is important that these modules can be developed in different variants that provide greater flexibility – the design repertoire is greater and a module can also be used across the different sizes and types of ships. In this way the company can save time, increase quality and thereby increase their competitiveness.
Revolutionary ship designs
The latest development of bows on new ships – the ones that are rounded – is a result of the group´s investment in design. Ships with an X-BOW® are ships that have attracted a lot of attention in Norway and abroad, both in the offshore and conventional shipping sectors.
With the new bow one seeks to reduce the force of the oncoming water: A conventional bow throws the water upwards and forwards, especially during high seas. This results in increased energy consumption and slamming (pounding and hammering by the sea), resulting in vibrations throughout the vessel. The new bow shape slices through the waves in such a way that it eliminates slamming and the fuel consumption is reduced as a result of this. This gives the vessel an added environmental benefit. It also improves the working environment on board since there is a significant reduction in vibrations, noise, movements and the associated acceleration.
Films: www.ulsteinlab.com | 
