Posted on October 21, 2024
Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards, in collaboration with CMB.TECH, has launched Windcat’s inaugural commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV).
This vessel is part of Windcat’s ‘Elevation Series’, designed to enhance the maintenance and support of offshore wind farms.
On 12 October the launch ceremony was held at Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam, where Damen is constructing all six CSOVs.
With the first CSOV now afloat, Damen will proceed with outfitting and commissioning to ready the vessel for delivery in the second quarter of 2025.
The partnership between Damen, Windcat, and CMB.TECH was first revealed in 2022, with an initial contract for two vessels.
This collaboration has since expanded to six vessels, following the signing of the last contract in mid-2024.
Windcat managing director Willem van der Wel said: “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.”
The 87m long CSOV is engineered for optimal offshore performance, incorporating new technologies to achieve this goal.
It can house up to 120 individuals and provide technical and maintenance support offshore for up to 30 days.
To reduce CO2 emissions, the collaboration has proactively addressed the use of future fuels. CMB.TECH’s dual-fuel hydrogen technology enables the entire fleet of six vessels to operate on hydrogen.
Meanwhile, in November 2023, Damen was in the news for delivering the final tug of three to Poland’s WUZ Port and Maritime Services in Gdansk.
