This contract underscores the strengthened collaboration between Damen, Windcat, and CMB.TECH. Windcat will deploy the 'Elevation Series' to offer in-field technical and maintenance support to offshore wind farms for up to 30 days at a time.
Construction of the sixth CSOV will take place at Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam, where the first five vessels are currently being built at various stages. The first CSOV is scheduled for delivery early next year. "Working together with Windcat and CMB.TECH over the last few years shows the power of collaboration," said Damen’s Sales Manager Benelux Joost van der Weiden. "Working closely with CMB.TECH to develop the hydrogen component of this vessel – turning a new technology into a proven technology – is a groundbreaker for the industry. And, of course, we appreciate working with Windcat in making the entire series of six vessels effective – the fact that Windcat has ordered this sixth vessel demonstrates their clear vision."
The 'Elevation Series' CSOVs are a result of the close cooperation among offshore crew transfer services, a future-proof fleet owner, and shipbuilding expertise from Windcat, CMB.TECH, and Damen. Specific attention has been paid to the internal design of all six vessels in the series. "We are really excited to confirm the sixth vessel in this series of innovative, efficient, and high-performing vessels. Together with Damen, we have also spent a lot of time thinking about the onboard workflow of the offshore wind farm technicians; how they can move from point A to point B as efficiently as possible, both for operational efficiency and for safety," said Windcat Managing Director Willem Van Der Wel.
The focus on internal design included creating a premium 'look and feel' for Windcat’s CSOV. Van Der Wel continued, "The interior design is quite similar to a premium hotel because we really wanted to give the technicians a comfortable place to live while at work."
The final design is for an 87-meter-long vessel that can accommodate 120 people on board. Incorporating input from CMB.TECH and lessons learned from Windcat’s hydrogen-powered Crew Transfer Vessel, the CSOV will be equipped with dual fuel hydrogen technology. This will not only substantially reduce CO2 emissions but will also position Windcat as a leader in using sustainable fuels.
