Windcat launches first hydrogen dual-fuel CSOV

Dutch offshore vessel operator Windcat has launched the first in a series of six hydrogen dual-fuel commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) being built by Damen Shipyards.

PHOTO: Windcat’s hydrogen dual-fuel CSOV Windcat Rotterdam. Windcat

A Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) is specifically designed to meet the commissioning, maintenance and operational requirements of the offshore wind industry.

This 87-meter-long vessel will be equipped with CMB.Tech's dual-fuel hydrogen technology, which retrofits MAN Energy Solutions' engines to run on both hydrogen and conventional marine fuels, thanks to hydrogen injection systems.

The vessel's launch took place at Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam, where Damen Shipyards is constructing all six CSOVs. Damen will now proceed with outfitting and commissioning operations to prepare the vessel for delivery in the second quarter of 2025.

Windcat, Damen and CMB.TECH originally announced their partnership to build these offshore wind farm support vessels in 2022. After initially ordering two ships, Windcat increased the order size to six vessels, with the final contract signed in July.

By Tuhin Roy

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