Damen Shipyards, in collaboration with Windcat and CMB.TECH, marked a significant milestone with the launch of the first of six Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) on 12 October at Ha Long Shipyard, Vietnam. This event inaugurated Windcat’s ‘Elevation Series,’ a new generation of offshore wind farm maintenance vessels designed to enhance efficiency, performance, and comfort in offshore operations. All six vessels are being constructed at Damen’s shipyard, with the first delivery scheduled for the second quarter of 2025.
Collaborative Effort for Future-Proof Vessels
The partnership between Damen, Windcat, and CMB.TECH began in 2022, with the companies sharing a vision for advanced offshore wind farm support vessels. Initially, the order was for two vessels, but Windcat expanded it to six, the latest contract being signed in mid-2024. The launch of this first CSOV represents the culmination of years of development, and Windcat’s Managing Director, Willem van der Wel, expressed his excitement about seeing the vessel enter the water, calling it a “special moment.”
Advancements in Offshore Support Vessel Design
The new CSOV design offers significant improvements over previous offshore wind farm support vessels. At 87 meters in length, the vessel can accommodate up to 120 personnel, enabling it to stay offshore for up to 30 days while providing technical and maintenance support. Key aspects of the design focus on optimizing offshore performance and ensuring comfortable living conditions for onboard personnel during extended stays.
Innovations in Propulsion and Efficiency
One of the standout features of the new vessel is its hybrid-electric propulsion system. According to Damen Sales Manager Joost van der Weiden, the vessel’s power distribution system is designed to maximize efficiency, eliminating the need for backup diesel generators. The thruster configuration has also been optimized for better dynamic positioning during offshore operations, which is expected to reduce both fuel consumption and overall emissions significantly.
Hydrogen-Powered Future
The Damen, Windcat, and CMB.TECH collaboration has taken a forward-thinking approach to reducing CO2 emissions. Thanks to CMB.TECH’s dual-fuel hydrogen technology, all six vessels in the Elevation Series will be capable of using hydrogen as fuel, positioning them to increase their hydrogen usage as the energy market evolves. This initiative reflects the partnership’s commitment to sustainability and future energy solutions in the maritime industry.
The launch of this first CSOV marks a major step forward in the development of environmentally conscious, high-performance vessels for the offshore wind sector.
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Source: Damen Shipyards
