Windward Hamburg joins three sister vessels to form Windward Offshore’s core CSOV fleet
Windward Offshore has taken delivery of Windward Hamburg, the fourth and final Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) in its newbuilding series with VARD, completing a four-vessel fleet designed to support offshore wind projects from construction and commissioning through long-term operations.
With Windward Athens, Windward Paris, Windward Munich and now Windward Hamburg, all four purpose-built CSOVs have joined the Windward Offshore fleet. Together, they form the backbone of Windward Offshores vessel offering, strengthening the company’s ability to support offshore wind projects with modern, flexible, and future-oriented assets throughout construction, commissioning, and long-term operations.
Windward Hamburg is based on the proven VARD 4 19 design and measures 87.5 metres in length and 19.5 metres in beam, with accommodation for up to 120 people. Like her sister vessel Windward Munich, Windward Hamburg is additionally equipped with a helideck, increasing operational flexibility and providing an additional option for the safe transfer of personnel to and from the vessel to the wind turbine.
The vessel combines advanced offshore technology with a focus on efficient and lower-emission operations. Key features include a height-adjustable motion-compensated gangway with integrated elevator, an electric motion-compensated crane, a height-adjustable boat landing system and a battery-hybrid propulsion system prepared for future operation on green methanol.
“The delivery of Windward Hamburg is a very special moment for us. What began as an ambitious newbuilding program has now become a fleet of four state-of-the-art CSOVs. Reaching this point is a proud achievement for the entire team, it reflects the tremendous commitment of everyone involved and the strong cooperation with VARD and our equipment suppliers. VARD has been an important partner throughout this journey, bringing deep shipbuilding expertise and a clear understanding of what we set out to achieve.”, said Bastian Hagebeuker, Managing Director of Windward Offshore. “With all four vessels now delivered and already in operation or shortly commencing operations, we have established a strong foundation as we enter the next stage of Windward Offshore’s development.”
“The delivery of Windward Hamburg marks an important milestone in a partnership that has been built over more than a decade. Together with Windward Offshore, we have transformed years of operational experience in offshore wind into a fleet of four highly capable and purpose-built CSOVs tailored to the customer’s specific requirements. Based on our proven VARD 4 19 platform and developed through close collaboration, these vessels represent some of the most advanced and versatile offshore wind support vessels operating today.
We would like to thank the entire Windward Offshore team for their trust, commitment, and valuable contribution throughout the design, construction, and delivery process. The strong cooperation between our organizations has been instrumental in achieving this successful outcome, with all four vessels delivered on or ahead of schedule. VARD has once again demonstrated its reliability as a shipbuilder, consistently delivering on its commitments with world-class quality. We are proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to building on this successful relationship as we continue supporting the growth of the offshore wind industry, “says Runar Vågnes, Senior Vice President Sales, VARD
At the same time, the fleet is already demonstrating its capabilities in operation. Windward Athens and Windward Paris are successfully operating for their clients and have together safely transferred more than 14,000 people via their motion-compensated gangways. Windward Munich, the third vessel in the series delivered in July, is currently on her voyage to Hamburg for her official naming ceremony and will thereafter directly commence her first charter.
