FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics announces the deployment of the first hydrogen-powered dual-fuel Crew Transfer Vessel in Germany for 50Hertz. Following the delivery of the vessel in spring 2023, this marks the beginning of a jointly operation in various wind farms in the German Baltic Sea.
The CTV, named Hydrocat 55, is equipped with the dual fuel hydrogen technology of CMB.TECH, one of the FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics (FWOL) shareholders.
The vessel represents an innovation for the offshore wind industry and marks a significant step in decarbonizing operations.
The vessel is part of a fleet of six ships currently operated by FWOL, a joint venture of FRS Offshore and Windcat Workboats, in the German and Danish North and Baltic Sea – all sailing under the German flag.
According to FWOL, the dual fuel hydrogen system of the Hydrocat 55 allows a significant reduction in CO2 emissions during operation and a substantial decrease in NOâ‚“ emissions.
At 25 meters long, the CTV can accomodate 24 passengers and 2-3 crew members. It has a tank capacity of 207 kg of hydrogen in 27 cylinders. The engine is manufactured by MAN Engines for dual fuel use and retrofitted by CMB.TECH with a hydrogen injection system.
The Hydrocat 55 is built the same way as the Hydrocat 48, which was launched as the first hydrogen powered CTV in 2022 for operations in Belgium.
In collaboration with Windcat, five more CTVs of this type are under construction. Work is ongoing to further optimize the ship’s technology and reduce CO2 emission even more in future. A trial period is set to start in January 2024 and will run for a year with regular use of green hydrogen.
Tim Kunstmann of FWOLÂ said: “Looking to the future, FWOL is committed making a significant contribution to the decarbonization of offshore logistics and supporting a green production of renewable energy with the Hydrocat 55 and the further vessels of this type.”
FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics (FWOL) has announced a significant advancement in green maritime technology with the launch of the Hydrocat 55, a hydrogen-powered dual fuel crew transfer vessel (CTV), in Germany. This vessel is set to operate for the 50Hertz transmission system operator, servicing various wind farms in the German Baltic Sea.
Hydrocat 55: A Leap in Offshore Wind Industry
The Hydrocat 55, equipped with the dual fuel hydrogen technology developed by CMB.TECH, marks a pivotal innovation in the offshore wind industry. This technology significantly contributes to decarbonizing maritime operations, aligning with global environmental sustainability goals.
Reduction in Emissions
The dual fuel hydrogen system integrated into the Hydrocat 55 substantially cuts CO2 emissions during its operation, alongside a notable decrease in NOâ‚“ emissions. This represents a major stride in reducing the environmental impact of offshore logistics.
Vessel Specifications
The Hydrocat 55, measuring 25 meters in length, can accommodate 24 passengers and 2-3 crew members. It features a hydrogen tank capacity of 207 kg, distributed across 27 cylinders. The vessel’s engine, designed for dual fuel use, is manufactured by MAN Engines and has been retrofitted with a hydrogen injection system by CMB.TECH.
Fleet Expansion and Operational Trials
This vessel is part of FWOL’s fleet of six ships, all sailing under the German flag, in the German and Danish North and Baltic Seas. The Hydrocat 55 follows the Hydrocat 48, the first hydrogen-powered CTV launched in 2022 in Belgium. FWOL, in collaboration with Windcat, is constructing five more CTVs of this kind. These efforts are part of an ongoing initiative to optimize ship technology and further reduce CO2 emissions.
The Hydrocat 55 will undergo a trial period starting in January 2024, lasting for a year, where it will regularly use green hydrogen. This trial aims to assess and enhance the vessel’s performance and sustainability.
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