Damen Shipyards, Windcat, and CMB.TECH have reached a significant milestone with the launch of the first Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) in the “Elevation Series.” This event marks a new chapter in offshore wind farm maintenance, blending cutting-edge innovation with sustainability.
The launch ceremony took place on October 12 at Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam, where Damen is building all six vessels in the series. With this first CSOV now afloat, outfitting and commissioning are set to follow, with delivery planned for Q2 2025. The vessel, an 87-meter-long marvel, is designed to remain offshore for up to 30 days, supporting maintenance teams in challenging conditions while offering unparalleled efficiency and comfort.
This project stems from a partnership announced in 2022, where Damen, Windcat, and CMB.TECH outlined plans for a fleet of advanced offshore support vessels. Initially focused on two ships, the order grew to six, solidifying the collaboration’s ambitions. Willem van der Wel, Managing Director of Windcat, expressed his excitement: “To see the first CSOV glide into the water was truly a special moment. This vessel represents years of collaboration and innovation.”
The second vessel in the CSOV ‘Elevation series’ has been launched by Damen at Halong Shipyards. What sets these vessels apart is there focus on hybrid-electric propulsion and fuel efficiency. Unlike earlier designs, this CSOV features advanced power distribution, eliminating the need for backup diesel generators. Optimized thruster configurations further enhance its dynamic positioning capabilities, ensuring precise maneuverability during transfer operations. These innovations collectively deliver substantial reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.
A standout feature of the Elevation Series is its ability to integrate dual-fuel hydrogen technology, courtesy of CMB.TECH. This future-proof approach positions the vessels to gradually increase hydrogen usage as the market evolves, signaling a proactive step toward decarbonization.
Beyond technical advancements, the vessel prioritizes onboard comfort for its 120 personnel, ensuring a livable workspace even in harsh offshore environments. This combination of innovation, sustainability, and human-centered design reflects the forward-thinking ethos driving the Damen/Windcat/CMB.TECH collaboration.
