Six vessels! A Dutch company orders new multi-purpose accommodation support ships.

On November 25, the Dutch company Windcat signed a contract with the Dutch Damen Shipyards Group for the construction of one plus five new multi-purpose accommodation support vessels (MP-ASVs).

The new vessels in this series will be named the Innovation series and will be built by Ha Long Shipbuilding, a shipyard belonging to Damen Shipyards Group located in Vietnam. The first vessel in the series is scheduled to begin construction in February 2026 and is expected to be delivered and put into operation in 2028.

This vessel combines a large, open deck with an underwater crane, offering both fuel-efficient operation and a comfortable, high-quality living environment. It is specially designed for personnel engaged in long-term offshore energy operations. Developed on the basis of the successful experience from previous designs, this new vessel boasts enhanced capabilities and greater efficiency.

Before ordering the MP-ASV, Windcat had already collaborated with Damen Shipyards Group to develop and build the Elevation series of Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs). The MP-ASV is based on the proven CSOV design and uses many of the same suppliers in various aspects. However, the MP-ASV is larger in size—102 meters long and 20 meters wide—offering 750 square meters of deck space, a 150-ton underwater crane capacity, and the capability to deploy and recover ROVs.

The vessel is equipped with a high-capacity battery pack of 3,981 kilowatt-hours, powered by a DC grid, which significantly reduces emissions. This system features “peak-shaving and valley-filling” capabilities, enabling the variable-speed main engine to consistently operate at its most efficient point in application scenarios such as dynamic positioning (DP), thereby reducing fuel consumption. Like Windcat’s CSOV series, the Innovation series vessels are characterized by the integrated use of low-carbon fuels. The vessel will be fitted with a dual-fuel hydrogen engine, allowing the auxiliary generators to operate in hydrogen-fuel mode.

The MP-ASV can accommodate up to 190 people and is capable of continuous operations for at least 28 days. During offshore missions, personnel can safely and comfortably board and disembark from offshore facilities via a motion-compensated gangway, which can also be securely connected to other structures. To ensure the well-being of both crew members and offshore workers, Windcat and Damen place great emphasis on high-standard living conditions. The carefully designed layout strikes a balance between easy navigation, aesthetic appeal, and premium materials, all aimed at minimizing seasickness and homesickness.

The vessel will be equipped with a DP2+ dynamic positioning system. In addition to an azimuth thruster at the stern, the vessel will also feature one tunnel thruster each at the bow and the stern, enabling it to maintain DP2-level positioning capability even if a single thruster fails. This innovative design is particularly important for vessels operating in remote maritime areas.

Joost van der Weiden, Sales Manager at Damen Shipyards Group, said: “Our collaboration with Windcat fully embodies Damen’s working philosophy. Together with like-minded customers, we are jointly exploring next-generation solutions and setting new benchmarks in safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The success of the first six CSOVs in the Elevation series is a testament to this approach. This new order marks an important step forward for us, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Windcat over the coming years to develop the Innovation series vessels.”

Willem van der Wel, Managing Director of Windcat, stated: “The new vessel we’re launching this time is not only a new addition to our fleet—it’s also a groundbreaking innovation for the market. It combines two key advantages: the large deck area and crane capabilities typical of an MPSV, while also offering the comfortable offshore living spaces characteristic of an ASV. Through collaboration with our customers and suppliers, as well as continuous innovation, we remain at the forefront of the offshore energy industry, always putting our customers’ needs first. By building this new type of vessel—focused on comfort, performance, and decarbonization—we’ll ensure that we can continue to support global offshore engineering projects safely and efficiently into the future.”