The first vessel in Windcat’s new Elevation Series of commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) has successfully completed sea trials and is nearing delivery, shipbuilder Damen said on Friday.
The vessel, named Windcat Rotterdam, is the first of six CSOVs being built at Damen’s Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam. Developed in collaboration with Windcat and CMB.Tech, the hydrogen-ready ships are designed to support offshore wind farm operations with a focus on long-term sustainability and onboard efficiency.
“After more than a week of rigorous testing at sea, we’ve validated every element of this advanced ecosystem to ensure all systems work in perfect harmony,” a spokesperson for Damen said. “The result? A vessel that sets new standards for onboard comfort, operational performance and future-proof technologies.”
Measuring 87 metres in length and 20 metres in width, Windcat Rotterdam is equipped to remain offshore for up to 30 days and can accommodate up to 120 personnel. The design emphasizes improved living and working conditions for offshore crews, according to Damen.
The Elevation Series was first announced in 2022, initially with two vessels ordered. Windcat expanded the order to six ships, with the final contract signed in mid-2024. Delivery of the Windcat Rotterdam is expected later this summer.
