As reported by Windcat, the company has taken a significant step forward in offshore support with the announcement of a new Multi-Purpose Accommodation Support Vessel (MP-ASV) series. This was unveiled on November 25, 2025, during the Offshore Energy Conference held in Amsterdam. The contract with Damen Shipyards Group includes an option for five additional vessels.
The newly introduced Innovation Series aims to enhance operational efficiency while providing high-quality living conditions for personnel engaged in offshore energy projects. These vessels will feature a spacious open deck and a subsea crane designed for fuel-efficient operations.
This latest order builds upon the successful partnership between Damen and Windcat that produced the Elevation Series Commissioning Services Operations Vessels (CSOVs). The MP-ASVs represent an evolution of previous designs, boasting improved capabilities and efficiency metrics.
Measuring 102 meters by 20 meters, these vessels offer substantial deck space-750 square meters-and can handle subsea crane operations up to 150 tonnes. They are also equipped to launch and recover remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), further expanding their functionality.
The Innovation Series is committed to reducing environmental impact through advanced technology. Each vessel will incorporate a robust battery pack of 3981 kWh connected via a DC grid system that optimizes low-emission performance. This setup allows for peak shaving during dynamic positioning operations, significantly lowering fuel consumption.
A standout feature is the integration of low-carbon fuels; specifically, these vessels will utilize dual-fuel hydrogen engines capable of powering auxiliary generators on hydrogen alone.
The MP-ASVs are designed to accommodate up to 190 crew members for extended missions lasting at least four weeks. Personnel can safely access offshore structures using motion-compensated gangways that maintain stable connections even in challenging conditions.
Damen and Windcat prioritize crew welfare by ensuring high standards in accommodation design-featuring intuitive layouts and quality materials aimed at minimizing seasickness and homesickness among staff working far from home.
The vessels will be outfitted with an advanced dynamic positioning system known as DP2+, which includes azimuth thrusters along with fore-and-aft tunnel thrusters. This redundancy ensures continued operation even if one thruster fails-a crucial capability when operating in remote locations where reliability is paramount.
Damen’s Sales Manager Joost van der Weiden expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration: “Working alongside clients who share our vision allows us to innovate solutions that set new benchmarks in safety and sustainability.” He noted how successful their previous ventures have been with similar projects like the Elevation Series CSOVs.
Willem van der Wel, Managing Director at Windcat added: “We’re excited about introducing this new vessel type not just into our fleet but into the market as well.” He emphasized their commitment to blending large deck capabilities with comfortable accommodations while focusing on performance improvements and decarbonization efforts essential for future offshore endeavors worldwide.
Damen plans to kick off construction of its first MP-ASV by February 2026, aiming for delivery by 2028-all units will be constructed at Ha Long Shipyard located in Vietnam.
