Damen's Windcat Rotterdam Wins KNVTS Ship of the Year Award

Damen Shipyards Group and Windcat's commissioning service operations vessel (CSOV), Windcat Rotterdam, received the KNVTS Ship of the Year Award at the Maritime Awards Gala on 2 November 2026 in Hilversum, the Netherlands. The award recognizes innovative Dutch ship designs, with judging criteria covering technical performance, sustainability, safety, economics and construction.

 

Developed jointly by Damen, Windcat and CMB.TECH, Windcat Rotterdam is the first of six Elevation Series vessels designed to support offshore energy construction, commissioning and maintenance. The vessel accommodates up to 120 personnel and serves as an offshore base for technicians and equipment.

 

Its technical features include a 3D motion-compensated gangway and a 10-tonne 3D motion-compensated crane designed to support equipment transfers and lifting operations in challenging sea conditions. The vessel also incorporates hybrid battery-electric propulsion and Damen's DPX-DRIVE dynamic positioning system, which uses four azimuth thrusters to improve maneuverability and reduce fuel consumption.

 

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The vessel has also been designed for future hydrogen integration. CMB.TECH's hydrogen technology is incorporated into the design, with a hydrogen generator set, storage and fuel supply system planned for installation once final class approval is secured. The hydrogen system is therefore not yet operational.

 

The KNVTS jury recognized the vessel's integrated design, practical offshore logistics and accommodation arrangements. Joost van der Weiden, Damen's Director Benelux, highlighted the collaboration between the three companies. At the same time, Windcat Managing Director Willem van der Wel said the vessel combined advanced technology with the operational requirements of offshore energy projects.

 

The award recognizes a vessel designed to support increasingly complex offshore operations while incorporating technologies intended to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

 

Source: Damen