Collaboration between FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics and 50Hertz Transmission extended for the use of hydrogen-powered CTV “Hydrocat 55”

Flensburg/Sassnitz, [13.05.2025] Following the completion of a one-year trial phase in 2024, partners FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics and 50Hertz Transmission have agreed to extend the trial-period of the innovative Crew Transfer Vessel off the coast of Rügen for another year. The vessel, “Hydrocat 55,” is Germany’s first hydrogen-powered dual fuel Crew Transfer Vessel and sets new benchmarks for sustainable offshore logistics by significantly reducing emissions.

The “Hydrocat 55” will continue to be operational for 50Hertz Transmission in 2025, providing access to various offshore wind farms in the German Baltic Sea. The Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) plays a vital role in reducing emissions while supporting the logistics of offshore substations. In its first year of operation, more than 18,000 kilograms of CO2 were saved by using locally produced green hydrogen. Plans for 2025 include continued reliance on regional hydrogen, which will be regularly refueled at the port of Sassnitz-Mukran.

“We are very happy to extend our partnership with 50Hertz. The results of the one-year trial have demonstrated that hydrogen as a fuel is a viable solution for the offshore sector,” said Tim Kunstmann, Managing Director of FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics.

Willem van der Wel, also Managing Director at FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics, added: “The “Hydrocat 55” proves that innovation and climate protection can go hand in hand without compromising performance and reliability. We thank 50Hertz for their trust in this innovative technology and their close cooperation.”

The “Hydrocat 55” is equipped with an advanced dual fuel hydrogen system developed by CMB.TECH. The vessel’s design aims to reduce emissions in offshore wind farm logistics while ensuring reliable operations. As the main engine requires no fundamental modifications, maintenance and repair tasks remain simple. Additionally, the engines can easily switch to diesel-only operation without any retrofitting, when hydrogen should be temporarily unavailable.

 

About FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics

FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics GmbH (FWOL) is a joint venture between Flensburg-based FRS Offshore GmbH & Co. KG and Windcat. Together, the companies have over 20 years of experience in the offshore logistics sector, with more than three million safe transfers in offshore wind farms and an average of 8,000 weekly transfers.

In addition to focusing on German and Danish waters, FWOL expanded its reach by founding FRS Windcat Polska Sp. z o.o. in Poland in 2018, demonstrating its ambition to the Polish market in providing sustainable offshore logistic solutions. FRS Offshore is a wholly owned subsidiary of Flensburg-based FRS GmbH & Co. KG, the parent company of the FRS Group. FRS is a global leader in high-speed ferry operations, managing over 70 vessels of various types worldwide.

 

About 50Hertz Transmission

50Hertz operates the electricity transmission grid in northern and eastern Germany, adapting it to meet the needs of the energy transition. Its high-voltage network spans over 10,600 kilometers. The 50Hertz service area includes the federal states of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, as well as the city-states of Berlin and Hamburg. In these regions, 50Hertz ensures the electricity supply for 18 million people, supported by a workforce of more than 2,100 employees.

 

About Windcat and CMB.TECH

Windcat is a leading provider of safe and efficient crew transfer services to the offshore wind industry and has been at the forefront for more than 20 years. Windcat owns and operates a growing fleet of over 55 Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs), 6 Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) will be delivered into operations from 2025 onwards. 

Windcat is part of CMB.TECH. CMB.TECH is a diversified and future-proof maritime group. The group focuses on large marine and industrial applications on hydrogen or ammonia. CMB.TECH’s hydrogen technology is integrated into all Windcat’s newbuild vessels to reduce their clients' CO2 emissions. Several hydrogen-powered CTVs are already in operation.​

 

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Contakt FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics: 

Tim Kunstmann     
Managing Director Europe Division / Managing Director FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics
E-Mail:  [email protected]

Contakt Windcat & CMB.TECH:

Katrien Hennin
Head of Marketing & Communications        
E-Mail:  [email protected]