The Belgian shipping group CMB.Tech and its Windcat brand have presented the first of a total of six Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOV) from the new “Elevation” series ordered in Singapore – the “Windcat Rotterdam”.
The 89.39 m long newbuilding was built at the Ha Long shipyard in Vietnam and was jointly developed by Damen Shipyards and CMB.Tech. The “Windcat Rotterdam” is designed for operations of up to 30 days. A 3D motion-compensated gangway and the world’s first 10 t 3D crane are designed to enable the safe transfer of personnel and heavy lifting operations even in rough seas.
The special vessel serves as a floating base for construction, commissioning and maintenance work in offshore energy projects. There is space on board for up to 120 people in single and double cabins. Facilities such as a fitness room, leisure areas and high-quality catering and services are designed to make the stay comfortable for offshore personnel.
Hybrid diesel-electric system
Windcat relies on a hybrid diesel-electric system with battery support and four Schottel azimuth thrusters for propulsion. According to the company, the concept reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 30%. In addition, a dual-fuel auxiliary diesel (MAN, 800 kW) with hydrogen option has been prepared.
“We are very proud and happy to have taken delivery of our first CSOV, the ‘Windcat Rotterdam’. It was impressive to see this groundbreaking design become a reality. With the addition of the ‘Windcat Rotterdam’ to our fleet, we can now offer not only first-class CTV services, but also first-class CSOV services,” emphasizes Willem van der Wel, Managing Director at Windcat.
Five more “Elevation” CSOVs join the Windcat fleet
The company sees a promising future for its fleet in the offshore energy industry, supporting customers worldwide with the safe and comfortable transfer and accommodation of their personnel. It was also emphasized that the close cooperation with Damen Shipyards and the most important suppliers had made the delivery of such an innovative vessel possible. At the same time, the company is looking forward to the delivery of the other five CSOVs in the coming years.
Windcat operates in two business segments; Windcat Workboats owns and operates a growing fleet of over 50 crew vessels, mainly for the European offshore wind sector, but also for the oil and gas industry and outside Europe. Windcat Workboats works with its joint venture partners FRS Windcat and TSM Windcat in the German and French markets respectively. Its sister company Windcat Offshore focuses on the ownership and operation of CSOVs.
Technical data
- Length: 89.39 m
- Width: 19.7 m
- Main engines: 1× ABC 12DZC (2,390 kW), 2 x ABC 8DZC (1,672 kW)
- Auxiliary diesel: MAN LE 337 (800 kW), dual fuel hydrogen/diesel
- Battery: 1,700 kW (Corvus Energy)
- Propulsion: Hybrid diesel-electric, 4 x 1,800 kW Schottel azimuth thrusters
- Gangway: SMST TAB-L2 (motion-compensated)
- Crane: 10 t, 3D motion-compensated (SMST MCC-L)
