Windcat celebrates first ‘Elevation’ CSOV launch

The first in a series of six commissioning service vessels (CSOVs) being built by Damen for offshore workboat group, Windcat, has been launched at Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam. Following outfitting and commissioning, the first CSOV is due for delivery in the second quarter of 2025.

The ‘Elevation Series’ vessels are the result of close collaboration between Damen, Windcat and CMB.TECH, and represent significant developments in offshore wind support vessel design. Sustainable operation has been a priority and the three partners have taken a view on likely future fuel development. By using CMB.TECH’s dual-fuel hydrogen technology, the six vessels will be able to use hydrogen as fuel, increasing its use as the energy market develops.

The 87m-long vessels will have accommodation for up to 120 technicians and crew and will be capable of remaining on station for up to 30 days at a time, thereby raising productivity. Meanwhile, the quality of accommodation areas on board the vessels has been a particular focus, with the aim of providing offshore personnel with comfortable conditions in which to live and work.

Windcat managing director, Willem van der Wel, commented: “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. We are excited for this first vessel to hit the water today and look forward to introducing this game-changing vessel to the world next year.”

Joost van der Weiden, Dames sales manager, Benelux, added: “We are especially proud of the efficiency gains that this vessel is expected to deliver. The hybrid-electric propulsion system coupled with an efficient power distribution system means that there will be no need to run a backup diesel generator and the vessel will never use more power than necessary. And we have optimised the thruster configuration, enhancing the dynamic positioning during transfer operations. All in all, we expect innovations like these to add up to substantial reductions in fuel consumption and, therefore, emissions.”