As part of CMB.TECH, Europe’s leading offshore personnel transfer company, Windcat has placed an order for six Elevation Series Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) in collaboration with Damen Shipyards. Windcat has now chosen Anglo-Eastern for the technical and crewing management of these groundbreaking vessels.
In October 2021, Windcat initially engaged Anglo-Eastern Technical Services (AETS), the technical consulting arm of Anglo-Eastern, to supervise the construction of these advanced, future-proof CSOVs. The vessels are set to enter Anglo-Eastern’s management upon delivery, marking a significant step in strengthening the relationship between Anglo-Eastern and the CMB.TECH group, specifically through this new partnership with Windcat. The ship management agreement for the first vessel was signed on July 19 in Hong Kong. This development aligns with Anglo-Eastern’s strategic goal to expand its technical consulting services and fleet management capabilities within the offshore renewable energy sector.
The Elevation Series CSOVs are specialized vessels designed to operate within offshore wind farms for up to 30 days. They will provide essential maintenance materials and accommodation for up to 90 technicians in hotel-style facilities. Each CSOV measures 87 meters in length and 20 meters in width and will be powered by hydrogen, marking them as the first vessels of their kind to utilize this clean energy source. These vessels will be constructed at Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam, with the first CSOV expected to commence operations in 2025. The walk-to-work (W2W) arrangement will feature active motion-compensated gangways to enhance operational efficiency.
The CSOVs are equipped with four azimuth thrusters (stern and bow) and a motion-compensated crane, meeting the highest operational and safety standards. The vessels will also offer state-of-the-art living quarters for industrial personnel, featuring STARLINK-supported network systems to ensure comfort and connectivity.
In line with CMB.TECH’s commitment to decarbonizing the maritime industry, these vessels will be fitted with dual-fuel hydrogen engines, reducing emissions significantly. This pioneering initiative underscores the shared vision of Anglo-Eastern and CMB.TECH to advance the maritime industry towards a sustainable future.
Bjorn Hojgaard, CEO of Anglo-Eastern, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them by Windcat “Anglo-Eastern is honored to be part of this innovative project developing the next generation of hydrogen-powered offshore vessels. Combining our extensive industry knowledge and shared vision for a greener future, we are confident that this investment in clean energy technology will lead to more environmentally responsible maritime solutions.”
Willem Van Der Wel, Managing Director of Windcat, commented “Partnering with Anglo-Eastern signifies a significant advancement in our mission to set new standards in the offshore industry. With Anglo-Eastern’s extensive global reach and their rich experience in ship management, we can extend our unparalleled service and innovation to this new vessel type on a global scale. Their deep expertise in managing larger DP/offshore vessels and high standards of operational excellence align perfectly with our objectives.”
This collaboration entails comprehensive management of the CSOVs by Anglo-Eastern, supported by a team of industry experts with extensive experience in offshore operations and vessel management. The AETS team will contribute their valuable expertise in project oversight, technical consulting, and fleet optimization to ensure the successful delivery and operation of these state-of-the-art hydrogen-powered vessels.
About Windcat
Windcat is a leading provider of safe and efficient specialist crew transfer services for the offshore wind industry. With a growing fleet of nearly 60 offshore Crew Transfer Vessels (CTV), Windcat ensures optimal vessel layout and propulsion for safe and comfortable personnel transfers.
As wind farms expand further offshore, Windcat is responding by adding a new vessel type to their fleet—Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs)—designed to accommodate up to 120 people, with the first CSOV expected to enter service in 2025. The company operates with a dedicated team spread across Europe, employing over 220 seafarers who are all certified and rigorously trained through Windcat’s in-house training program. New recruits undergo comprehensive induction and coaching, ensuring they meet the highest standards of competency before joining the Windcat crew.
About Anglo-Eastern
Anglo-Eastern is a leading global provider of independent ship management services, known for its excellence and innovation driven by a passion for seafaring and for ships. With nearly 50 years of maritime heritage, Anglo-Eastern manages a diverse fleet of vessels worldwide and offers both cadet and crew training through its esteemed maritime academy and strategically located training centres.
Today, Anglo-Eastern oversees around 700 vessels under full technical management, another 250 ships under crew management, and has managed nearly 1,000 newbuilding’s and conversions. The company supports its fleet with more than 37,000 seafarers and over 2,100 shore employees, based out of its Hong Kong head office and 29 other locations worldwide.
From its humble beginnings to becoming an industry pioneer, Anglo-Eastern remains forward-thinking while staying true to its roots. This unique blend of proactive innovation and traditional values, combined with a commitment to developing and nurturing people and communities, distinguishes the company from its peers.
Integrity and doing the right things the right way are at the core of Anglo-Eastern’s work ethic. This foundation enables the company to build trust, drive performance, and shape a better maritime future for generations to come. Proud to serve partners. Proud to be Anglo-Eastern.
Source Anglo-Eastern Shipping