- The Hydrocat 55 is a CTV equipped with dual-fuel hydrogen technology from CMB.TECH, a shareholder in FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics.
- Represents an innovation in the offshore wind industry and signifies a significant step in decarbonizing operations for FWOL.
- FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics deploys the first hydrogen-powered dual-fuel Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) in Germany for 50Hertz.
- Hydrocat 55 significantly reduces diesel consumption and CO2 emissions while ensuring maximum flexibility and safety.
FRS Windcat’s Innovation In Offshore Wind Transportation
FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics unveils the inaugural deployment of a hydrogen-powered dual-fuel Crew Transfer Vessel for 50Hertz in Germany. With the vessel set to be delivered in spring 2023, it signals the initiation of collaborative operations across multiple wind farms in the German Baltic Sea.
The Hydrocat 55 is a Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) equipped with the dual fuel hydrogen technology of CMB.TECH is one of the FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics (FWOL) shareholders. The vessel represents ‘an innovation for the offshore wind industry’ and ‘marks a significant step in decarbonizing operations’ for the Flensburg-based company FWOL. The vessel is part of a fleet of six ships currently operated by FWOL in the German and Danish North and Baltic Sea, all sailing under the German flag.
The dual-fuel hydrogen system of the Hydrocat 55 allows a ‘significant reduction’ in CO2 emissions during operation and a substantial decrease in NOₓ emissions. At 25 meters long, the CTV accommodates 24 passengers and two to three crew members. It has a tank capacity of 207 kg of hydrogen in 27 cylinders. The engine is manufactured by MAN Engines for dual fuel use and retrofitted by CMB.TECH with a hydrogen injection system.
Green Horizon
By using hydrogen, the Hydrocat 55 can significantly reduce diesel consumption and CO2 emissions. At the same time, maximum flexibility and safety are ensured. The Hydrocat 55 is built the same way as the Hydrocat 48, which was launched as the first hydrogen-powered CTV in 2022 for operations in Belgium.
In collaboration with the Dutch joint venture partner Windcat, five more CTVs of this type are under construction. Work is ongoing to further optimize the ship’s technology and reduce CO2 emissions even more in the future. A trial period is set to start in January 2024 and will run for a year with regular use of green hydrogen.
Tim Kunstmann of FWOL states: “Looking to the future, FWOL is committed to making a significant contribution to the decarbonization of offshore logistics and supporting a green production of renewable energy with the Hydrocat 55 and further vessels of this type.”
50Hertz’s Sustainable Offshore Connectivity
50Hertz is the transmission system operator (TSO) responsible for connecting the grid to wind farms in the German Baltic Sea. Two other vessels from the fleet are currently operating for the Berlin-based company. The Hydrocat 55 represents another step towards a more sustainable future in the offshore wind energy sector for both companies.
No fundamental changes to the vessel’s main engine are required, which not only means that maintenance and repair remain simple, but also that the engine can easily be switched back to diesel fuel without any modifications. Even if hydrogen is not available, the vessel can continue to run on traditional fuel, making it a very robust and reliable solution for the offshore wind industry.
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Source: 4coffshore
