FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics introduces the first hydrogen-powered CTV "Hydrocat 55" to the German offshore market"

The “Hydrocat 55” is a Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) 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 for the Flensburg-based company FWOL. The vessel is part of a fleet of six ships currently operated by FWOL in the German and Danish North and Baltic Sea – all sailing under the German flag.

Hydrocat 55

The dual fuel hydrogen system of the “Hydrocat 55” allows a significant reduction in CO2 emissions during operation and a substantial decrease in NOx emissions by up to 70%. With a length of 25 meters, the CTV accommodates 24 persons and 2-3 crew members and 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. By using hydrogen, the "Hydrocat 55" can significantly reduce diesel consumption and save CO2 emissions. Also, at the same time maximum flexibility and safety is ensured. The “Hydrocat 55” is built the same way as the “Hydrocat 48”, who was launched as the first H2 powered CTV in 2022 for operations in Belgium.

In collaboration with the Dutch joint venture partner Windcat, five more CTVs of this type are under construction. Additionally, work is ongoing to optimize the ship's technology for even higher decarbonization in the future. The trial period is set to commence in January 2024 and will run for a year with regular use of green hydrogen. The deployment of this innovative CTV strengthens the over ten-year lasting partnership between FWOL and 50Hertz. 50Hertz is the responsible transmission system operator for grid connection of the wind farms in the German Baltic Sea. Currently, two other vessels from the fleet are in operation for the Berlin-based company. The "Hydrocat 55" represents another step towards a more sustainable future in the offshore wind energy sector for both companies. The testing phase aims to provide valuable insights into the integration of hydrogen propulsion in the maritime logistics industry.

Dual fuel hydrogen combustion engines

No fundamental changes to the main engine are required, which not only means that maintenance and repair remain simple, but also that the engine can easily be switched back to diesel fuel without any modifications. Even if hydrogen is not available, the vessel can continue to run on traditional fuel, making it a very robust and reliable solution for the offshore wind industry.

Tim Kunstmann of FWOL states: "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."

Willem Van Der Wel of Windcat says: “With this announcement, we are showing that our group strategy is becoming a reality with the focus on decarbonization and optimisation. We are reducing the carbon emissions of our customers in the offshore wind industry, today. We’re grateful to have such great customers and local partners who help drive this strategy.”

L-R: Dr. Henrich Quick, Nadja Ballauf (both 50Herz) and Tim Kunstmann (FWOL) in front of the „Hydrocat 55“

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 Workboats BV. Together, both companies have more than 20 years of experience in the offshore logistics sector, with more than 2.1 million safe transfers and an average of 8.000 transfers per week. Windcat has become one of the leading providers of personnel transfer vessels in Europe, operating a fleet of over 55 CTVs for the offshore wind industry, oil and gas industry and other offshore projects. The Windcat fleet operates in the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and beyond. In addition to focusing on German and Danish waters, FWOL expanded its reach by establishing FRS Windcat Polska Sp. z o.o. in Poland in 2018, emphasizing the company's ambition to be a leading provider of sustainable offshore logistics solutions in the Polish market. FRS Offshore is a subsidiary of Flensburg-based FRS GmbH & Co. KG, the parent company of the FRS Group.

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Contact FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics:
Tim Kunstmann
Managing Director Europe Division
+49 162 1096770 | [email protected]

About CMB and CMB.TECH:

CMB (Compagnie Maritime Belge) is a diversified shipping and cleantech group based in Antwerp, Belgium. CMB owns and operates 150 seagoing vessels in dry bulk (Bocimar), container transport (Delphis), chemical tankers (Bochem) & crew transfer vessels (Windcat). CMB is also active in cleantech (CMB.TECH) and real estate (MCA Facilities, Maritime Campus Antwerp). CMB has offices in Japan, Namibia, Singapore, China, Germany, UK and The Netherlands. Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn.

CMB.TECH is a shipping and cleantech company that develops, builds, owns and operates large marine and industrial applications that can run on hydrogen or ammonia. CMB.TECH also offers hydrogen and ammonia fuel to its customers, either through own production or third-party producers. Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn.

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Contact CMB.TECH:
Katrien Hennin
Head of Marketing and Communications
+32 499 39 34 70 | [email protected]

About FRS:

The shipping group FRS, headquartered in Flensburg, is a global leader in high-speed catamaran operation. FRS has evolved from an initially regional passenger ship company in into an internationally active corporate group with approximately 2,000 employees. Currently, FRS operates 73 vessels worldwide. Today, the FRS Group has 17 subsidiaries located in Europe, North Africa, North America and the Middle East. In the Northern Germany region, FRS Syltfähre and FRS Elbfähre Glückstadt Wischhafen are well-known.

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Contact FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics:
Tim Kunstmann
Managing Director Europe Division
+49 162 1096770 | [email protected]