CMB Windcat Workboats gets first hydrogen bunkering licence in the Netherlands

The license will allow Windcat Workboats, part of CMB, to bunker its crew transfer vessel Hydrocat 48 with hydrogen in the port of IJmuiden.

PHOTO: The Hydrocat 48 in the port of Ijmuiden. Amsterdam Ijmuiden Offshore Ports

The move is to make some vessel movement more sustainable in the ports of IJmuiden and Amsterdam, Amsterdam IJmuiden Offshore Ports (AYOP) said in a statement.

Environment Agency IJmond has given an environmental permit for hydrogen bunkering on behalf of the municipality of Velsen, after Windcat Workboats looked into the safety elements in collaboration with the Port of IJmuiden and Port of Amsterdam.

Hydrocat 48 is used to transport crew to and from offshore wind farms. It is currently deployed in IJmuiden, where the hydrogen bunkering pilot successfully completed in the IJmondhaven. It will later be deployed in the Port of Ostend for normal operational activities.

The vessel came into service in May and features a dual fuel engine manufactured by MAN Engines, which has been retrofitted by CMB.TECH with a hydrogen injection system.

Windcat Workboats is planning to deploy more hydrogen-powered vessels in future.