Windward Offshore has taken delivery of the Windward Hamburg, the fourth CSOV vessel built by VARD to support construction, commissioning and maintenance operations of offshore wind farms.
The delivery of the Windward Hamburg completes the first series of four service-commissioning operations (CSOV) vessels developed by VARD for Windward Offshore. The new unit joins a fleet specifically designed to serve offshore wind projects during different stages of their operational cycle.
With this addition, Windward Offshore brings together under its fleet the Windward Athens, Windward Paris, Windward Munich and Windward Hamburg. The four vessels are aimed at the transfer of personnel and the technical support required during the construction, commissioning and long-term operation of offshore wind farms.
Windward Hamburg incorporates the VARD 4 19 design
The new CSOV Windward Hamburg is based on the VARD 4 19 design. The vessel is 87.5 metres long and 19.5 metres wide and has accommodation capacity for up to 120 people.
Likewise, like its sister ship Windward Munich, it incorporates a helicopter platform. This configuration expands the alternatives available to move personnel between the ship and offshore wind installations.
Its equipment includes a height-adjustable gangway with movement compensation and integrated lift. It also has an electric crane with movement compensation and a height-adjustable boat landing system.
These solutions are intended to facilitate offshore transfer and work operations in variable maritime conditions, an aspect especially relevant for the technical tasks carried out around wind turbines and marine infrastructure.
Hybrid propulsion ready for green methanol
On the other hand, the Windward Hamburg has a hybrid powertrain with batteries that is ready to use green methanol in the future.
This configuration makes it possible to combine propulsion technologies adapted to the operational requirements of offshore wind support vessels and leaves open the possibility of incorporating an alternative fuel when technical and supply conditions allow it.
The CSOV equipment responds to Windward Offshore’s objective of having flexible vessels to accompany wind projects during their construction, commissioning and subsequent operation and maintenance phase.
Four CSOVs built by VARD
The series began with the Windward Athens, delivered in October 2025. Later came the Windward Paris during 2026 and the Windward Munich was delivered in July. The Windward Hamburg now completes the initial four-unit programme.
Currently, Windward Athens and Windward Paris are already working for clients on offshore wind projects. Between them, they have securely carried out more than 14,000 transfers of people through their gateways with movement compensation.
Meanwhile, Windward Munich sails to Hamburg to take part in its official christening ceremony before starting its first charter contract.
In addition, VARD reported that the four ships in the series were delivered on schedule or ahead of schedule.
Windward Offshore expands capacity for offshore wind
For Windward Offshore, completing the series means moving from a newbuild program to an operational fleet of four CSOVs specializing in offshore wind.
The delivery of the Windward Hamburg is a very special moment for us. What began as an ambitious shipbuilding programme has grown into a fleet of four state-of-the-art CSOVs.
Stated Bastian Hagebeuker, Managing Director of Windward Offshore.
The company seeks to combine these vessels with engineering, maintenance and operations services to meet the needs of energy companies involved in the installation and operation of offshore wind farms.
For its part, VARD brings expertise in the design and construction of specialized vessels. The company is headquartered in Ålesund, Norway and maintains shipyards and offices in Norway, Romania, Brazil and Vietnam.
With the four CSOVs delivered, Windward Offshore now has a dedicated naval platform to cover everything from commissioning to long-term operations within the offshore wind sector.
Source and photo: Windward Offshore
