Windcat Workboats Launches First Hydrogen Dual-Fuel Commissioning Vessel in Vietnam
Key Ideas
- Windcat Workboats has launched the first of six hydrogen dual-fuel commissioning service operation vessels (CSOV) from Damen Shipyards in Vietnam, powered by a hybrid-electric propulsion system using CMB.TECH’s dual-fuel hydrogen engine technology.
- CMB.TECH claims that combining hydrogen with diesel in its engines can reduce emissions by 60-90%, providing a flexible path for vessel operators to transition gradually to cleaner operations.
- The 87-metre vessel is designed to accommodate up to 120 people working on offshore projects for extended periods, with an efficient power distribution system eliminating the need for a backup diesel generator.
- With five more CSOVs set to be launched by 2024, Windcat, Damen, and CMB.TECH aim for all six vessels to utilize hydrogen, contributing to emissions reduction and the transition towards cleaner maritime operations.
Windcat Workboats has successfully launched its first hydrogen dual-fuel commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) from Damen Shipyards in Ha Long, Vietnam. This milestone marks the beginning of a series of six vessels powered by a hybrid-electric propulsion system utilizing CMB.TECH’s dual-fuel hydrogen engine technology. The vessel, designed to reduce emissions significantly, can accommodate up to 120 personnel working on offshore projects, offering a cleaner and more sustainable solution for maritime operations. Joost van der Weiden, Sales Manager at Damen, highlighted the vessel's innovative hybrid-electric propulsion system, emphasizing its efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.
Windcat Managing Director, Willem van der Wel, expressed excitement for the future impact of the vessel, aiming to introduce a game-changing solution to the maritime industry. With plans to launch five more CSOVs by 2024, the collaboration between Windcat, Damen, and CMB.TECH aims to promote the use of hydrogen in maritime operations, with a focus on increasing sustainability and reducing emissions. CMB.TECH, a division of Compagnie Maritime Belge, is at the forefront of low-emission technology, with a significant order of ships powered by hydrogen or ammonia. Roy Campe, CTO at CMB.TECH, sees the potential of dual-fuel technology to deliver substantial emissions savings, surpassing even zero-emission solutions. The article highlights the growing shift towards sustainable practices in the maritime industry, emphasizing the role of hydrogen technology in achieving cleaner and more efficient operations.