(Flensburg) – FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics GmbH (FWOL) has announced the start of test operations for the first hydrogen-powered transfer vessel for 50Hertz Transmission GmbH. The transmission system operator is responsible for connecting the wind farms in the German Baltic Sea. The dual-fuel crew transfer vehicle (CTV), named "Hydrocat 55," will be used to transport workers to various offshore wind farms.
With a length of 25 meters, the ship offers space for 24 people and three crew members. The tank capacity is 207 kilograms of hydrogen in 27 cylinders. The diesel engine is manufactured by MAN Engines and retrofitted with a hydrogen injection system by technology company CMB.Tech. According to information from the “Ostsee Zeitung”, the hydrogen content could be between 30 and 80 percent, depending on the type of use. If hydrogen is not available, the ship automatically switches to diesel propulsion alone, according to FWOL.
Experience for the logistics industry
The test phase begins in January 2024 and will run for one year with regular use of green hydrogen. During the trial operation, the aim is to gain experience on integrating hydrogen into the maritime logistics industry.
In front of the “Hydrocat 55” (from left): Henrich Quick, Nadja Ballauf (both 50 Hertz) and Tim Kunstmann (FWOL). © 50 Hertz / M.Vogel
CMB.Tech's dual-fuel CTV is part of a fleet of six vessels currently operated by FWOL in the German and Danish North and Baltic Seas. The hydrogen system enables a significant reduction in CO2 emissions during operation and a significant reduction in NOx emissions by up to 70 percent.
According to the “Ostsee Zeitung”, the energy source comes from the Apex company in Laage near Rostock and is delivered by trailer. It is planned that hydrogen generated by wind power will also be used in Mukran.
Five more CTVs under construction
According to the company, five more CTVs of this type are under construction in collaboration with the Dutch joint venture partner Windcat. “Hydrocat 55” is identical in construction to the “Hydrocat 48”, which was introduced in 2022 as the first H2-powered CTV for operation in Belgium.
FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics GmbH (FWOL) is a joint venture between the Flensburg-based FRS Offshore GmbH & Co. KG and the Belgian Windcat Workboats BV. Windcat develops and operates 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 and France, among others. FRS Offshore is a subsidiary of the Flensburg shipping group FRS GmbH & Co. KG.
CMB (Compagnie Maritime Belge) is a shipping and cleantech group based in Antwerp, Belgium. CMB owns and operates 150 dry bulk vessels (Bocimar), container transport (Delphis), chemical tankers (Bochem) and crew transfer vessels (Windcat).
Photos
The dual-fuel “crew transfer vehicle” (CTV) is intended to be used for various offshore wind farms. The test phase began in January. © 50 Hertz / M.Vogel
