Posted on August 6, 2025
Windward Offshore is proud to announce the signing of its first charter contracts for the two purpose-built Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs), Windward Athens and Windward Paris. For this project, the vessels will be deployed specifically to support operations and maintenance (O&M) activities. The agreements were finalized last month together with North Star, the UK’s largest shipowner-operator which is headquartered in Aberdeen and has operations in Lowestoft, Newcastle (all UK) and Hamburg, Germany.
Through this partnership, Windward Offshore and North Star will jointly support RWE’s offshore wind operations in the United Kingdom and Germany. The Windward Athens will commence service in winter 2025 within RWE’s German offshore wind farms, located north of the island of Helgoland, while the Windward Paris is scheduled to begin operations in summer 2026 at the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm off the British coast.
Built at VARD’s shipyards in Romania and Norway, the vessels represent the latest generation of CSOVs, equipped with ultra-low-emission technologies, battery hybrid systems and smart automation to reduce environmental impact. Each vessel is fitted with an Ampelmann W-Type walk-to-work gangway, 7t motion-compensated 3D- crane and accommodation for up to 120 personnel, ensuring safe and efficient offshore logistics even under challenging weather conditions.
This achievement represents a significant step in Windward Offshore’s establishment in the Service Vessel market and underscores the company’s commitment to building reliable, future-oriented partnerships. By aligning closely with North Star and RWE, Windward Offshore contributes to enabling RWE to execute their operations and maintenance works on time and with high efficiency.
“These first charter agreements for Windward are a fantastic proof that the industry honors Windward’s forward-thinking service approach and our commitment to supporting the growing offshore wind sector through strong partnerships,” said Dr. Benjamin Vordemfelde, Managing Director of Windward Offshore. “Together with North Star and RWE, we are laying the groundwork for safe, reliable, and sustainable offshore operations.” Gitte Gard Talmo, CEO at North Star said: “Following the award of two long-term CSOV charters with RWE for the Grampian Eagle and the Grampian Kestrel, we’re pleased to be working with Windward Offshore, who will provide two vessels to front-run operations until our ships are available by the end of 2026. This interim solution is a strong example of cross-industry collaboration, ensuring continuity and a shared focus on safe, efficient, and future-ready offshore operations. Thanks to everyone involved for their commitment in moving this project forward.”
For further information please contact:
Caspar Blum
General Manager
commercial@windward-offshore.com
About Windward Offshore
Windward Offshore was formed to establish an Integrated Offshore Wind Vessel & Service Company, building a robust portfolio of offshore wind service vessels, initially focusing on Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs). By providing integrated solutions, combining vessels with Engineering, Maintenance and Operation Services, Windward Offshore is poised to become a reliable partner for energy companies, supporting the commissioning phase and maintenance of offshore wind farms. Windward’s strong shareholder base – including internationally listed corporations (Diana Shipping Inc., Marubeni Corporation), family-owned investment holdings, as well as institutional investors – supports the company’s growth and strategic development. The close link to the SeaRenergy Group, since 2010 an independent provider to the offshore wind industry with full lifecycle offering spanning from consulting and engineering services and installation to commissioning, operation, and maintenance, ensures a solution-focussed understanding of daily operations within wind farms. Windward Offshore is committed to accelerating the construction and maintenance of wind farms worldwide, delivering comprehensive and innovative solutions to ensure their success and sustainability.
About North Star Shipping Ltd.
North Star is the UK’s market-leading fully integrated shipowner-operator, delivering mission-critical offshore infrastructure support services across the offshore wind and oil and gas sectors. Headquartered in Aberdeen with operational bases in Lowestoft, Newcastle and Hamburg, the company employs around 1,400 offshore and onshore personnel. Established over 138 years ago to support the fisheries industry, North Star has since built five decades of proven expertise in the energy sector. Today, it operates a fleet of 48 vessels, including 42 Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels (ERRVs) that provide continuous support to approximately 50 North Sea installation around the clock, 365 days a year. In support of the energy transition, North Star has invested over half a billion pounds in offshore wind, delivering its first four Service Operation Vessels (SOVs), with two additional SOVs under construction. The company has also built its first two Commissioning SOVs to meet the increasing demands of Europe’s offshore wind market. As the UK’s largest employer of offshore cadets, North Star is committed to the future of maritime, investing around £1 million annually since 1996 to train the next generation of deck and engineering professionals. By combining safety, service, and quality, North Star delivers reliable, high-performance support in some of the world’s most challenging offshore environments.
