The Dutch based offshore personnel transfer company Windcat has placed an additional order of two Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) with Damen Shipyards.
This new additional order increases Windcat’s CSOV fleet to a total of five vessels, leaving the option of acquiring a sixth vessel, as Damen Shipyard states.
Windcat, owned since 2020 by Belgium CMB group, ordered already in November 2022 the construction of a series of three hydrogen-powered CSOVs, the “Elevation Series” produced in collaboration between Windcat and Damen Shipyards, which features a pioneering design that significantly enhances capabilities and flexibility compared to traditional vessels.
The CSOVs are 87m long, 20m wide and can accommodate up to 120 people on board.
The vessels are equipped with a gangway, crane, thrusters, hybrid battery technology and offshore charging capability.
CMB.TECH’s dual fuel hydrogen technology will be implemented aiming to minimise the CO₂ footprint of offshore energy production and vessel operations.
The first three vessels are currently under construction in Vietnam and will be delivered in 2025.
The delivery of the two new ordered additional CSOVs is expected in Q2 and Q3 of 2026, Damen mentions in its statement.
Willem van der Wel, managing director, Windcat, said: “The decision to expand the CSOV fleet aligns with Windcat’s commitment to meeting the increasing demand for these vessels worldwide and will give us further capacity and flexibility to support clients in the offshore industry.”
Joost van der Weiden, sales manager of Damen, noted: “One year ago we embarked on an exciting project to build a large series of CSOVs for Windcat. Now, one year later we are delighted to have five CSOVs under construction. This fact endorses the commitment and long-term focus from our client, but it also underlines the strong relation which we have and very much appreciate.”
