Windcat has launched its first Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) in collaboration with Damen, marking the debut of its ‘Elevation Series' designed for offshore wind farm maintenance and support. The CSOV is the first of six vessels being constructed at Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam, all equipped with the capability to run on hydrogen.
The vessel, launched by Damen, will undergo outfitting and commissioning in preparation for delivery in the second quarter of 2025. The project, a joint effort between Windcat, Damen, and CMB.TECH, began in 2022 with an initial order of two ships, later expanded to six, with the final contract signed in mid-2024.
Windcat's managing director, Willem van der Wel, expressed excitement at the vessel's launch: “We have been working with Damen towards this day for some years now and to see the first CSOV glide into the water was truly a special moment.”
The 87-metre vessel, designed for optimal offshore performance, will accommodate up to 120 personnel and remain at sea for up to 30 days, providing technical and maintenance support. It features a hybrid-electric propulsion system and an efficient power distribution system, reducing the need for backup diesel generators.
Joost van der Weiden, Damen's sales manager for Benelux, highlighted the vessel's innovations, stating that the optimized thruster configuration enhances dynamic positioning during operations, and the advanced technologies are expected to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
