First German H2 CTV earmarked for spring

Hydrocat 55 has been developed by FRS Windcat Offshore Logistics, a joint venture between Flensburg-based FRS Offshore and Windcat Workboats, that operates in the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and beyond.

The vessel follows the Hydrocat 48, which was launched as the first H₂ powered CTV in 2022 for operations in Belgium. Another five are under construction, the company says, also in collaboration with Windcat.

Hydrocat 55 has a tank capacity of 207kg of hydrogen in 27 cylinders, and the engine was manufactured by MAN Engines for dual fuel use and retrofitted by CMB.Tech with a hydrogen injection system.

“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,” said Tim Kunstmann, managing director Europe Division. “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.

“Looking to the future, FRS 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.”