CMB.Tech company Windcat has completed its first Mk5 Hydrocat 60 crew transfer vessel (CTV), the first of the series to be fitted with a full hydrogen dual-fuel system, underscoring Windcat’s commitment to decarbonising offshore operations.
The Hydrocat 60 is equipped with a dual fuel hydrogen combustion engine, co-developed by CMB.Tech and MAN. This advanced engine allows the vessel to operate on both hydrogen and traditional diesel fuel, ensuring flexibility and reliability. The vessel includes CMB.Tech’s full hydrogen system, capable of storing up to 458kg of compressed hydrogen, providing a significant step towards reducing emissions in maritime operations.
This is the third hydrogen-powered CTV in operation within the Windcat fleet. Hydrogen is seen as building momentum in the offshore wind industry and is already contributing towards the reduction of CO2 emissions. With more hydrogen-ready vessels already in the water and under construction, Windcat says it continues to answer to the increasing demand for clean high performance CTVs.
Willem van der Wel, Windcat MD, said: “We are very proud to now have the third hydrogen-powered CTV in operation within the Windcat fleet. We see that hydrogen is building momentum in the offshore wind industry and is already contributing towards the reduction of our customers’ CO2 emissions today. With more hydrogen-ready vessels already in the water and under construction, we continue to answer to the increasing demand for clean high performance CTVs. The MK5 design addresses the evolving needs of the offshore wind industry by delivering high-performance vessels that significantly enhance crew comfort and operational efficiency. Developed through in-house innovation, the MK5 design incorporates feedback and experience from the daily operations of our fleet and offers further optimised seakeeping capabilities, larger deck space, and provisions for increased hydrogen storage. With an overall length of 27m, an optimised hull shape, increased width, and elevated freeboard, these vessels ensure greater accessibility and comfort, making the vessel series ideal for those developments located further offshore.”
The Hydrocat 60’s innovative dual fuel hydrogen system, which allows for straightforward maintenance on the vessel and dual fuel capability, is expected to enable immediate CO2 emission reduction. Windcat is confident that hydrogen technology will continue to gain traction, propelling the maritime and offshore industry towards decarbonisation. All future newly constructed MK5 vessels will be fitted with a dual fuel hydrogen engine on board as standard.
Image: Windcat Hydrocat 60 Mk5 (source: Windcat)
