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news Ultein Delivers for Eidevik Ulstein signed a con- tract to deliver an off- shore IMR/construction vessel of the ULSTEIN SX148 design to Eidesvik Offshore. “Based on experience we know that Ulstein is quality-conscious and has innovative employ- ees that work hard to deliver on agreed terms and conditions,” said Jan Fredrik Meling, CEO of Eidesvik Offshore ASA. The ship is of the SX148 design from ULSTEIN, which can carry out highly advanced subsea work like inspection, mainte- nance and repair of oil installations on the sea bottom. Furthermore, the vessel can be used for clearing oil and gas wells and for well stim- ulation. The moon pool is located centrally in the ship’s hangar, in an efficient layout provid- ing a good and safe indoor work area on the main deck. The vessel is equipped with three ROVs: one for observation and two for operation. It also has an MHS (Module Handling System). Also onboard is a 100-ton AHC (Active Heave Compensated) offshore crane. Ocean Power Technologies completed the first of its new generation utility-scale PowerBuoy device, the PB150. The PB150 PowerBuoy is touted by the maker as the largest and most powerful wave power device designed by OPT to date. With a peak-rated power output of 150 kW, the PB150 is designed for use in arrays for grid-connected power generation projects worldwide. “The completion of the first PB150 in the UK is a major engineering achievement for OPT and also begins an important new chapter in the company’s commercialization strategy,” said Charles F. Dunleavy, CEO of OPT. “The PB150 structure and mooring system has already received independent cer- tification from Lloyd’s Register, as announced last month. The new device is intended to become OPT’s first “workhorse” for utility-scale projects, and embodies the Company’s strong track record in innovation and in-ocean development of wave power systems as a source of clean, renewable ener- gy. With construction of the second PB150 well underway in Oregon, USA, we are very proud of reaching this milestone and look to the future of utility-scale wave energy with increasing confidence.” It is currently being prepared for ocean tri- als at a site approximately 33 nautical miles from Invergordon, off Scotland’s northeast coast. The sea trials are expected to com- mence as soon as weather conditions permit. The company is seeking additional financ- ing for the commercial utilization of the buoy after the trial phase is completed including its possible deployment at various potential sites. A second PB150 is under construction in the US for a proposed utili- ty-scale project in Oregon, and the company is involved in other planned projects in Australia, Japan and Europe that may utilize the PB150. OPT’s PowerBuoy has a low visual profile, as most of the structure is sub- merged, and is designed to have a minimal environmental impact. The company has considerable experience with in-ocean per- formance of its PowerBuoys, including its PB40 system which has been operating off Oahu, Hawaii, since December 2009 and has subsequently been connected to the grid. That system was developed under a multi- year project for the US Navy and the PowerBuoy underwent an extensive inde- pendent environmental assessment. This resulted in a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) – the highest level of envi- ronmental assessment rating in the US. In addition, last year the company signed a ground-breaking agreement with 11 US fed- eral and state agencies and three non-govern- mental stakeholders for the phased develop- ment of a 1.5 megawatt wave power project at Reedsport, Oregon in a manner that pro- tects ocean resources and stakeholder inter- ests. www.oceanpowertechnologies.com Ocean Power Completes New Wave Power Device 8 MTR March 2011
