Ship of the Year 2026 nominations announced: all three vessels built in the maritime cluster
25. juni 2026
The cable-laying vessel Nexans Electra, the offshore wind service vessel Windea Carnot, and the energy subsea construction vessel Rem Pioneer have been built at Ulstein Verft and Myklebust Verft, respectively. All three vessels are now nominated for “Ship of the Year”.
Each year, the industry magazine Skipsrevyen awards the title “Ship of the Year”. This year's nominations indicate that the jury recognises the vessels' advanced technology, strong operational capabilities, and solutions that support the ongoing energy transition.
The nominees feature complex system integration, and will perform specialised operations with high demands for precision, capacity and performance. These are areas where the Norwegian maritime cluster has built strong capabilities over several decades.
The nominations also recognize the shipowners who have made the strategic choices to invest in advanced newbuilds at Norwegian yards, thereby driving innovation, technological development, and high-end shipbuilding expertise.
– All vessels nominated for Ship of the Year were built at shipyards in the maritime cluster in North-Western Norway. This is a clear recognition of the region’s expertise, innovative strength and ability to deliver, says Pierre Major, Cluster Manager at GCE Blue Maritime Cluster.
The maritime cluster in Møre og Romsdal is internationally recognized as one of the world’s most complete maritime ecosystems – built over generations and encompassing leading expertise in design, advanced equipment, technology development and integration, shipbuilding, and global vessel operations.
A shipyard job creates ripple effects by supporting employment across a wide range of related industries and professions.
The vessels (in alphabetical order)
Nexans Electra – built at Ulstein Verft
Nexans Electra is a DP3 cable-laying vessel delivered from Ulstein Verft in 2026 for Nexans. The vessel is purpose-built for the transport, installation, repair and jointing of high-voltage subsea cables.
The vessel features a substantial cable capacity, including a 10,000-tonne deck carousel, an additional 3,500-tonne under-deck carousel, and a dedicated fibre optic tank.
With advanced installation equipment and a high degree of redundancy in critical systems, Nexans Electra is designed for efficient operations in demanding conditions, offering excellent manoeuvrability and station-keeping performance.
The vessel will support offshore wind developments and other energy infrastructure projects, playing a key role in the expansion of renewable energy and electrification at sea.
REM Pioneer – built at Myklebust Verft
REM Pioneer is an advanced energy construction vessel (ESCV) currently under construction at Myklebust Verft for Rem Offshore.
The vessel is designed by Skipsteknisk for complex operations within subsea and renewable energy sectors.
Prepared for green methanol operation and equipped with energy storage systems, the vessel will significantly reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.
With a large deck area, high crane capacity, a central moonpool and accommodation for up to 120 personnel, REM Pioneer is tailored for complex offshore operations.
Windea Carnot – built at Ulstein Verft
Windea Carnot is a commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) for Bernhard Schulte Offshore, delivered from Ulstein Verft in 2026. A sister vessel is also approaching delivery from the yard.
Designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions, the vessel is built for construction support and operations and maintenance of offshore wind farms.
Windea Carnot is equipped with a centrally positioned walk-to-work gangway, a 3D motion-compensated crane and a helideck.
The vessel features Ulstein’s TWIN X-STERN® solution, providing excellent manoeuvrability, reduced motions and improved fuel efficiency – all critical for safe offshore operations.
Equipped with hybrid battery propulsion and methanol-ready, the vessel is designed for low-emission operations.
Collaboration across the value chain
Each nomination is the result of close collaboration between shipowners, designers, shipyards and suppliers. This collaborative approach is essential for delivering vessels at the forefront of technological development.
Industry recognition
Being nominated for “Ship of the Year” is one of several indicators of how innovation and collaboration are valued in the maritime industry.
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