CSOV Windcat Rotterdam receives KNVTS Ship of the Year Award

Damen Shipyards Group and Windcat are pleased to announce that Commissioning Service Operations Vessel (CSOV) Windcat Rotterdam has received the KNVTS Ship of the Year Award. The award was presented at the Maritime Awards Gala on 2 November in Hilversum, the Netherlands.

Every year, the KNVTS (Koninklijke Nederlandse Vereniging van Technici op Scheepsbouwgebied; Royal Society of Dutch Marine Engineers) presents the Ship of the Year Award to a highly innovative vessel designed in the Netherlands. The award is presented to a Dutch shipyard that integrates innovations into the vessel, ensures effective collaboration between parties involved, and delivers a high-performing ship to the client.

Nominations are judged by a panel of maritime experts, who assess the vessel on a range of criteria comprising design, economics, sustainability & environment, safety and the construction process.

From left to right: Koos Zitman (Chair of the Jury) and Mark Couwenberg (Design and Proposal Engineer OSV Product Management Offshore, Damen)

Windcat Rotterdam has been developed through a collaboration between Damen, Windcat and CMB.TECH. It is the first of six Elevation Series vessels. The CSOV is designed to support construction, commissioning and maintenance at offshore energy projects.

The vessel serves as a floating base for both personnel and equipment, facilitating safe, efficient access to offshore assets. It features a standard-setting 3D motion-compensated gangway with a high vertical range. Additionally, it boasts the world's first 10-ton 3D motion-compensated crane, enabling the safe execution of heavier platform lifts in high sea states.

The interior of the CSOV has been developed in collaboration with experts to provide personnel with a home-away-from-home experience. It offers comfortable accommodation for up to 120 people in spacious single and double cabins.

It also has a fully equipped gym and entertainment spaces to provide a range of leisure activities. Personnel onboard also benefit from high-quality catering facilities and housekeeping services.

Windcat Rotterdam, like the Elevation Series in general, has been designed for optimal efficiency. It is equipped with the latest in fuel-efficient and emissions control technology, including a closed bus switchboard configuration and hybrid battery-electric propulsion.

Safe and sustainable offshore operations rely on an effective and efficient dynamic positioning system. Damen's DPX-DRIVE™ technology delivers best-in-class DP performance. With this, four azimuth thrusters enable precision maneuverability and efficient operation, enhancing safety while reducing fuel consumption and associated emissions.

Additionally, the CSOV draws on the experience Windcat has gained with its hydrogen-powered crew transfer vessels (CTVs) to ensure future readiness. CMB.TECH's hydrogen technology is integrated into the vessel. Once final class approval for the solution is secured, the vessel will be outfitted with a hydrogen generator set, storage and fuel supply.

Damen Director Benelux, Joost van der Weiden says, "Windcat Rotterdam serves as a clear demonstration of the power of collaboration. Together with Windcat and CMB.TECH, we have developed a vessel with the capabilities to provide efficient support to the offshore energy industry, not only for today, but also for the years to come. On behalf of everyone at Damen, I accept the prestigious Ship of the Year Award with pride."

Willem van der Wel, Managing Director at Windcat, said, "I congratulate Damen on receiving the Ship of the Year Award for the Windcat Rotterdam. This award is a well-deserved recognition of what can be achieved through close collaboration, combining Damen's shipbuilding expertise with Windcat's operational experience and shared ambition to innovate. Together, we have developed a CSOV that brings advanced technology and practical capabilities together to support the offshore energy sector safely and efficiently."

Chair of the Jury Koos Ziman said, "The Windcat Rotterdam is a deserving winner, because it is a complex vessel that required close collaboration between different disciplines. The logistics have been well thought out, making it highly practical for the crew. And a homely atmosphere has also been created for the crew, so they can feel comfortable during their long periods at sea."

The award marks an important milestone for both Damen and Windcat, recognising their shared commitment to the development of increasingly sustainable offshore solutions.