Kongsberg Maritime has delivered its 1,000th ship design - the IWS Seawalker, a state-of-the art windfarm service operation vessel (CSOV), and one of six ‘Skywalker Class’ UT5519 DE for IWS Fleet.
Over the last half century, the company's naval architects have provided 1,000 detailed vessel designs to ship owners in more than 50 countries worldwide. The early 1970s, at the dawn of the offshore oil and gas industry, saw the very first vessels, designed specifically for the harsh operating conditions of the North Sea. Shipyards in 40 countries have now built Kongsberg Maritime designs from the UT and NVC ranges.
The ‘UT Design’ range soon became the benchmark design for the industry and has remained at the forefront of the offshore industry, ever since. The UT design range has also developed to include other ship types including oceanographic research, coastal protection and most recently a range of vessels designed specifically for operating in offshore wind farms.
Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, President of Kongsberg Maritime, remarked, "During 2024, we have been celebrating 50 years of pioneering ship designs, so we are especially proud to also unveil our 1,000thship, the IWS Seawalker.
“This milestone is a testament to our enduring commitment to innovation and is the latest example of how our ship design specialists have worked with many customers over five decades, to deliver some of the most advanced, efficient, and capable ships sailing today.
“IWS Fleet’s investment in the Skywalker Class vessels demonstrates a firm focus on using future-oriented technology in an exciting and growing market. As the Captain and crew of the IWS Seawalker prepare to start serving the rapidly growing offshore wind farms in the North Sea, we wish them well in all their future voyages.”
Speaking at the naming ceremony for the IWS Seawalker in Hanstholm, Denmark, Christopher Andersen Heidenreich, Managing Director, IWS Fleet, said, “As well as being a big day for everyone at IWS, as we welcome the third of our six Skywalker Class vessels to our operational fleet, we know this is also a very special moment for Kongsberg Maritime.
“Together we celebrate the delivery of their 1000th vessel design, and we’re honoured to be part of such a significant milestone. Just like the very first UT vessels of the 1970s, this latest advanced CSOV design is a pioneer of its day, setting high standards for safe, efficient, and innovative operations in the global offshore energy industry.
