Damen Shipyards has clinched a significant contract to build a sixth Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) for offshore personnel transfer provider Windcat. This new vessel completes the ‘Elevation Series,’ a lineup of future-proof CSOVs designed to support offshore wind farms. This development further strengthens the collaborative bond between Damen, Windcat, and CMB.TECH. Windcat will utilize the ‘Elevation Series’ to offer technical and maintenance support to offshore wind farms, capable of remaining in the field for up to 30 days at a time.
The sixth CSOV will be constructed at Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam, where the first five vessels are already in various stages of construction. The first of these vessels is scheduled for delivery early next year. This series marks a notable achievement, demonstrating the power of collaboration between Damen, Windcat, and CMB.TECH. Joost van der Weiden, Damen’s Sales Manager for Benelux, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of this partnership, especially highlighting the integration of hydrogen technology. “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,” he stated.
The ‘Elevation Series’ represents the collective expertise of offshore crew transfer services, future-proof fleet ownership, and shipbuilding. This synergy is evident in the design and functionality of the vessels. Special attention has been given to the internal design to ensure efficiency and safety for the offshore wind farm technicians. Windcat’s Managing Director, Willem Van Der Wel, expressed excitement about confirming the sixth vessel in this innovative series. He noted that extensive thought has gone into optimizing the onboard workflow to ensure technicians can move efficiently and safely.
In addition to functionality, the interior design of Windcat’s CSOVs resembles that of a premium hotel, providing a comfortable living environment for technicians during their work periods. The vessels are designed to be 87 meters long and can accommodate 120 people on board. A key feature is the dual fuel hydrogen technology, which substantially reduces CO2 emissions and positions Windcat at the forefront of using sustainable fuels in the industry. Drawing on lessons learned from Windcat’s hydrogen-powered Crew Transfer Vessel, the new CSOVs promise both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
This latest contract underscores the commitment of Damen, Windcat, and CMB.TECH to innovation and sustainability in the maritime industry. By integrating advanced technologies and prioritizing the comfort and safety of offshore personnel, the ‘Elevation Series’ sets a new standard for CSOVs.
