On November 25, the Dutch company Windcat signed a 1+5 construction contract for new Multi-Purpose Accommodation Support Vessels (MP-ASV) with the Dutch Damen Shipyards Group.
This new series of vessels will be named the Innovation series and will be built by Damen’s Ha Long Shipbuilding shipyard in Vietnam. The first vessel in the series is scheduled to start construction in February 2026 and is expected to be delivered and operational in 2028.
This vessel type combines a large open deck with an underwater crane, featuring both fuel-efficient operational characteristics and a comfortable, high-quality living environment, specifically designed for personnel engaged in long-term offshore energy operations. This new vessel type is developed based on the successful experience of previous designs, possessing stronger capabilities and higher efficiency.
Prior to ordering the MP-ASV, Windcat had already collaborated with Damen Shipyards Group to develop and build the Elevation series of Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOV). The MP-ASV is based on the proven CSOV design and uses the same suppliers in many aspects. However, the MP-ASV is larger in size, measuring 102 meters in length and 20 meters in width, providing 750 square meters of deck space, a 150-ton underwater crane capacity, and the capability to launch and recover ROVs.
The vessel is equipped with a large 3981 kWh battery pack powered by a DC grid, significantly reducing emissions. This system enables a “peak shaving and valley filling” function, allowing variable speed main engines to always operate at their most efficient point in application scenarios such as dynamic positioning (DP), thereby reducing fuel consumption. Similar to Windcat’s CSOV series, a core feature of the Innovation series vessels is the integrated application of low-carbon fuels. The vessels will be installed with dual-fuel hydrogen engines, enabling auxiliary generators to operate in hydrogen fuel mode.
The MP-ASV can accommodate up to 190 people and has the capability for continuous operations of at least 28 days. During offshore missions, personnel can safely and comfortably transfer to and from offshore facilities via a motion-compensated gangway, which can also maintain a fixed connection with other structures. To ensure the well-being of the crew and offshore personnel, Windcat and Damen place great importance on high-standard living environments. The carefully designed layout balances easy navigation, aesthetic design, and high-quality materials, aiming to minimize seasickness and homesickness.
The vessel will be equipped with a DP2+ dynamic positioning system. In addition to the aft azimuth thruster, both the bow and stern will be equipped with a tunnel thruster, allowing the vessel to maintain DP2 level positioning capability even if a single thruster fails. This innovative design is particularly important for vessels operating in remote sea areas.
Joost van der Weiden, Sales Manager at Damen Shipyards Group, stated: “Our cooperation with Windcat fully embodies Damen’s working philosophy. We join hands with like-minded clients to explore a new generation of solutions, setting new benchmarks in safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The success of the first six CSOVs in the Elevation series confirms this model. This new order marks an important step forward for us, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Windcat in the coming years to develop the Innovation series vessels.”
Willem van der Wel, Managing Director of Windcat, stated: “The new vessel we are introducing this time is not just a new addition to the fleet; it is an innovation for the market. It combines two major advantages: it possesses both the large deck area and crane functionality of an MPSV, and the comfortable offshore accommodation space of an ASV. Through cooperation with clients and suppliers, as well as continuous innovation, we always remain at the forefront of the offshore energy industry, always prioritizing our clients’ needs. By building this new type of vessel that focuses on comfort, performance, and decarbonization, we will ensure our ability to continue safely and efficiently supporting future offshore engineering projects worldwide.
