Hamburg, 17 October 2024 – Windward Offshore GmbH & Co. KG (Windward Offshore) intends to enter into a joint venture with Stödig Ship Management AS (Stödig) to manage the technical and crew operations of its fleet of Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOV’s). This partnership, formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks a significant milestone for Windward Offshore, ensuring operational excellence and first-class service onboard Windward Offshore’s vessels, further supporting the offshore wind industry.
Under the terms of the agreement, the new partnership between Windward Offshore and Stödig will be based in Hamburg and will provide comprehensive technical and crew management services for all four of Windward Offshore’s cutting-edge CSOVs. Each vessel, equipped to accommodate 120 personnel on board (POB), will offer a first-class service environment, ensuring the highest standards of comfort and safety for personnel during offshore wind operations. The choice for Hamburg, the hub for offshore wind activities and maritime excellence, was based on the parties’ strategic focus to support the global offshore wind industry and contribute to the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.
The collaboration between Windward Offshore and Stödig begins immediately, following a rigorous tender process that spanned several months. After evaluating multiple potential partners, Windward Offshore selected Stödig due to its agility, extensive experience and proven track record in managing similar vessels. “Stödig’s expertise in managing vessels, particularly CSOVs and SOVs, is a perfect fit to our experience in Offshore Wind Operations and commitment to excellence,” said Benjamin Vordemfelde, Managing Director of Windward Offshore GmbH & Co. KG.
Stödig brings a wealth of experience to the partnership, with a successful track record of managing Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) and other complex vessels. Their expertise includes handling over 50,000 walk-to-work transfers, ensuring the safe passage of personnel between vessels via gangways, a testament to their focus on operational safety and reliability.
“We are excited to see this partnership materialize and dedicated contributing to success. The quality approach of Windward Offshore fits well with our strategy of providing high quality, tailormade services for our customers ” says Gisle Rong, Managing Director of Stödig Ship Management AS.
Windward Offshore’s fleet consists of four CSOVs, with the first two vessels currently under construction in Romania & Norway and the remaining two in Vietnam. These vessels are based on the innovative Vard 4 19 design and will feature battery hybrid technology, prepared for future operation on green methanol. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2025, with the remaining three vessels following in 2026.
With Stödig as trusted partner, Windward Offshore is well-positioned to offer unparalleled offshore wind service capabilities, ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable operations across its fleet.
For further information please contact:
Dr. Benjamin Vordemfelde
Managing Director
b.vordemfelde@windward-offshore.com
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.
About Stödig
With extensive experience in managing vessels for complex operations, Stödig expertise spans across multiple demanding segments. Stödig is committed to delivering high end services for safe, efficient and compliant CSOV/W2W operations
Stödig Ship Management is part of Seatrans group and has more than 50 years of experience in shipping. The company is built on a strong maritime heritage on the western coast of Norway. With headquarters in Bergen and subsidiary offices in Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria. Stödig combines local presence with a global reach through our long-term partnership with key stakeholders worldwide and holds a proven track record in the industry.
For further information please contact:
Gisle Rong
Managing Director
Gisle.rong@stodig.no
