Windcat launches second hydrogen dual-fuel vessel

Dutch offshore crew transfer company Windcat has recently introduced its second hydrogen dual-fuel crew transfer vessel (CTV).

PHOTO: Windcat’s hydrogen dual-fuel CTV Windcat 60. Windcat

A CTV is a specialized boat designed to transport personnel and equipment to and from offshore structures, such as wind farms, oil rigs and research stations.

While this small-scale hydrogen-capable vessel may not immediately lead to a drastic reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions, they serve an important role in refining technology and operations that could eventually support larger vessels.

The vessel, Hydrocat 60, features a hydrogen dual-fuel engine capable of operating on both hydrogen and diesel. The engine was co-developed by Belgian shipping company CMB.TECH and German engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions.

Additionally, it includes CMB.TECH’s full hydrogen system, which can store up to 458 kg of compressed hydrogen. The vessel is set to begin operations soon, though the company has not disclosed its deployment location.

The company has six vessels in this series. The first vessel, Windcat 57, was delivered in May last year and began service in June in Scotland. Later this year, Hydrocat 58 will be delivered, followed by Windcat 59,Windcat 61 and Windcat 62.

The company “is confident that hydrogen technology will continue to gain traction, propelling the maritime and offshore industry towards decarbonisation,” Windcat said.

By Tuhin Roy

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