Page 52: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Jan/Feb 2026)

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ENGINEERING OSV DESIGN

Photo credit: Josefne Spiro/JoDa Media

Tore Ulstein highlights the group's commitment to sustainable technology, such as hybrid propulsion systems, which evolved from the same innovation- led strategy established in 1999.

protection for "creative chaos."

An example of this playfulness is the ULSTEIN THOR, a visionary concept for a thorium-powered foating power station unveiled at the Seatrade Cruise Global convention in

Miami in 2022. Designed as a mobile charging hub for elec- tric feets in sensitive regions like Antarctica, it eliminates the need for individual ships to return to port for fuel, dra- matically reducing the industry’s environmental footprint.

"We knew the technology wasn't ready, but we chose to go public to bring the industry along on the journey and strengthen our brand as an innovator," Ulstein said.

DIGITAL HORIZONS

The innovative spirit that began with the Bourbon Orca continues to open doors in new markets. Ulstein recent- ly signed a contract with Malaysia’s OMS Group for the building of two next-generation cable-laying vessels for 2028. These SX252 designs incorporate the X-BOW® to ensure more comfortable motion for both the crew and the delicate cable equipment, alongside a reduction in fuel con- sumption. Furthermore, the enclosed cable hangar protects sensitive fber-optics from the elements and signifcantly improves the working conditions for those on board.

But when asked about the next "big nut to crack," Ul- stein looks beyond hull shapes.

“The next frontier is digitalization and Artifcial Intel- ligence (AI),” he said.

By harvesting feet data through proprietary systems,

Ulstein aims to support real-time decisions to reduce emis- sions and enhance safety.

For Tore Ulstein, the mindset remains exactly as it was in 2003: the courage to challenge the established. “If we only tried to be as good as the others, we would always be a step behind,” he concluded. “We must have the desire to challenge the status quo.” 52 OFFSHORE ENGINEER OEDIGITAL.COM