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Windward Offshore Announces Key Suppliers for its Cutting-Edge CSOV Fleet


Windward Offshore is proud to present the lineup of key suppliers for equipping its fleet of Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs). This milestone underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering advanced, eco-friendly offshore wind solutions. With four vessels currently under construction – two in Norway and two in Vietnam – Windward Offshore is leveraging a network of trusted partners to ensure its fleet reflects the highest standards of performance, safety, and sustainability. 

Strategic Supplier Partnerships 

The contracts with these industry-leading suppliers were finalized during the design and planning phases of the project, ensuring that the CSOVs will be outfitted with cutting-edge technologies that set new benchmarks in the sector. 

Ampelmann will supply motion-compensated gangways for all four CSOVs. Known for its unmatched track record, Ampelmann has successfully facilitated over 10 million safe personnel transfers worldwide, next to millions of kilograms of cargo lifted to offshore structures. The company will deliver four electric-powered W-type systems to Windward Offshore, each equipped with a motion-compensated lifting function. Ampelmann’s extensive experience will also be leveraged in training personnel, ensuring optimal operation and safety standards, globally. 

Seaonics has been chosen to supply 3D motion-compensated cranes with a 7-ton 3D capacity for the fleet. These electric-driven cranes, known for their reliability and proven performance, will enhance the operational capabilities of Windward Offshore’s vessels. 

In collaboration with Vard, MAN Energy Solutions will supply the main engines for all CSOVs. MAN ES was selected based on its proven track record and the positive experiences Windward’s shareholders have had with the maker. The engines are designed being able to run on methanol from the time of delivery, reflecting Windward Offshore’s commitment to environmentally friendly operations. MAN’s global service and spare part network further solidifies its selection as a key supplier. 

ScanReach will enhance onboard safety with its innovative wireless connectivity mesh node system. The “ConnectPOB” location management service will enable real-time tracking of all personnel on board, significantly improving response times during emergencies or muster activities. This technology represents a major step forward in the digitalization of the maritime industry, aligning with Windward Offshore’s focus on safety and innovation. 

Expanding Windward Offshore’s CSOV Fleet 

In October 2023, Windward Offshore signed a contract with Vard for the design and construction of two hybrid CSOVs. The company has since exercised options to expand this order to four vessels, marking a significant milestone in its growth. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2025, with the remaining three vessels to follow in 2026. 

With these four state-of-the-art vessels, Windward Offshore is poised to expand its presence in the offshore wind industry, supporting global energy providers in the construction, commissioning, and maintenance of offshore wind parks. The company’s innovative approach has already garnered significant interest from customers and stakeholders worldwide, reflecting the growing demand for Windward Offshore’s expertise in this critical sector. 

Technical specifications: 

  • Length of 87.5 meters and beam of 19.5 meters 
  • Height-adjustable motion-compensated gangway with elevator system  
  • Height-adjustable boat landing system 
  • Battery hybrid system 
  • Prepared for future operation on green methanol 

 

About Windward Offshore 

Windward Offshore was formed to establish an Integrated Offshore Wind Service Company. With a shared vision, the partners aim to create a robust portfolio of offshore wind service vessels, initially focusing on Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs). By providing integrated solutions, combining vessels with Engineering, Maintenance, and Operation Services, Windward Offshore is poised to become a reliable partner for energy companies, supporting the commissioning phase and maintenance of offshore wind farms. 

www.windward-offshore.com 

About Ampelmann 

Ampelmann is the leading offshore access provider that delivers safe and efficient transfer solutions to the global offshore energy sector. Its innovative approach to offshore access has propelled the company forwards as a key global player with strong local presences in Europe and Africa, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and the Americas. Ampelmann’s diverse portfolio of modular and energy efficient gangway systems is tailored to meet every local and global demand, providing reliable and consistent access to offshore structures in a variety of sea states and weather conditions.  

The company’s growing fleet of gangway systems includes solutions for crew change, cargo and decommissioning operations in the offshore oil and gas, wind and floating wind markets. The company operates on a full-service business model and provides its renting and buying clients with trained operators, 24/7 operational support and digital management tools to improve uptime and ensure maximum efficiency during offshore operations. 

www.ampelmann.nl 

About Seonics 

SEONICS’s mission is to make mission critical maritime handling and lifting solutions even smarter, more efficient and profitable through specialized knowledge and advanced technology. In this way, SEONICS gives their customers the upper hand in sustainable exploration, development and harvesting of the ocean space. SEONICS is a subsidiary of Vard Group.  

www.seaonics.com 

About MAN Energy Solutions 

MAN Energy Solutions enables its customers to achieve sustainable value creation in the transition towards a carbon neutral future. Addressing tomorrow’s challenges within the marine, energy and industrial sectors, we improve efficiency and performance at a systemic level. Leading the way in advanced engineering for more than 250 years, we provide a unique portfolio of technologies. Headquartered in Germany, MAN Energy Solutions employs some 14,000 people at over 120 sites globally. Our after-sales brand, MAN PrimeServ, offers a vast network of service centers to our customers all over the world. 

www.man-es.com/ 

About ScanReach  

ScanReach has developed the breakthrough wireless IoT technology known as onboard wireless connectivity (OWC), a cornerstone of maritime IoT. 

Headquartered in Bergen, Norway, ScanReach designs, develops and delivers comprehensive services for Location Management, Cargo Monitoring, Fuel & Emission Monitoring, Data Acquisition Services, Security & Access Controls, Fire Detection & Onboard Safety, and Machine Monitoring. Discover more about how ScanReach is pioneering maritime safety and efficiency at scanreach.com. 

www.scanreach.com