Offshore wind vessel pioneer dies aged 90

Dr Heinrich Schulte, the chairman of the German ship management firm Bernard Schulte, died on December 16. He had handed over active management responsibilities to Ian Beveridge in 2001 but continued to work as managing director and chairman of the Advisory Board because ‘a life without shipping was unthinkable for him’, the company said.

Recognising the emerging market for offshore wind, Bernard Schulte opened a specific arm – BS Offshore – to focus on the sector in 2011. This in turn opened the WINDEA segment, which it says has provided services to nearly every German offshore wind project.

In 2015, WINDEA had started building its first Service Operations Vessel, Windea La Cour, which was the industry’s first SOV without steps – ie with a motion-compensated gangway that allowed technicians to take spare parts from below deck to wind turbine. She was also the first vessel with the X-STERN.

In 2018, the company started building Windea Jules Verne, the first SOV with battery-based hybrid propulsion.

“It is with great sadness that the Schulte Group announces the passing of Hamburg shipowner and entrepreneur Dr Heinrich Schulte,” said the company on its website.

“For over six decades, Dr Schulte shaped the Group and played a key role in the entire shipping industry.

“Born in Hamburg, but with family roots in Papenburg and Emden, he was always restless and on the lookout for new business opportunities. He tapped into niche markets long before they became mainstream. At the end of the 1960s, he was one of the pioneers in gas tanker ship management for the transport of LPG and LNG.

“He also recognised the potential of offshore wind vessels at an early stage and supported the development of a specialised offshore wind fleet.”

Bernard Schulte Ship Management was founded by Heinrich’s father, Bernard, in 1883. Heinrich joined in 1963. He leaves behind his wife, five daughters, two sons, and 14 grandchildren.