The new offshore vessel Windcat Rotterdam has received the prestigious KNVTS Ship of the Year 2026 award.

The award was presented on November 2, 2026, during the Maritime Awards Gala in Hilversum, the Netherlands.

Windcat Rotterdam is a Commissioning Service Operation Vessel — CSOV designed to support the construction, commissioning and maintenance of offshore energy infrastructure, including offshore wind farms.

The vessel was developed through cooperation between Damen Shipyards, Windcat and CMB.TECH and is the first vessel in the new Elevation Series.

The jury highlighted not one individual technology, but the successful integration of a large number of advanced systems into a single vessel.

The assessment considered design, operational efficiency, sustainability, safety and overall project execution.

One of the key features of Windcat Rotterdam is its optimised hull form.

The design underwent extensive hydrodynamic research and model testing at MARIN — the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands.

According to the jury, this helped combine strong seakeeping performance with high operational efficiency during offshore missions.

The vessel is equipped with a DP2 dynamic positioning system.

For manoeuvring, it uses four fully azimuthing thrusters, providing precise station keeping alongside offshore structures.

The design also includes an anti-roll tank intended to reduce vessel motion and improve comfort for personnel on board.

Particular attention has been given to personnel transfer operations between the vessel and offshore installations.

Windcat Rotterdam is fitted with a 3D motion-compensated gangway with an extended vertical operating range.

The system automatically compensates for vessel movement, allowing personnel to transfer more safely to offshore platforms or wind turbines in challenging sea conditions.

In addition, Damen says the vessel features the world’s first 10-tonne 3D motion-compensated crane.

The crane enables heavier cargo transfers between the vessel and offshore structures while compensating for vessel motion.

Windcat Rotterdam uses a hybrid-electric propulsion system supported by batteries.

A closed-bus electrical configuration and advanced energy management system allow power demand to be distributed more efficiently between generators and batteries.

This can help reduce fuel consumption, emissions and operating costs.

Another important feature of the project is its preparation for alternative fuels.

CMB.TECH has integrated its hydrogen technology into the vessel concept.

Following final class approval, the vessel is expected to receive additional hydrogen-powered generation equipment together with the required storage and fuel supply systems.

The Elevation Series concept is also designed to support future transition toward lower-carbon solutions, including hydrogen and other alternative fuels.

This reduces dependence on a single propulsion concept and makes future upgrades easier over the vessel’s service life.

Crew and offshore personnel comfort was another major focus during the design process.

Windcat Rotterdam can accommodate up to 120 people in single and double cabins.

The vessel includes a gym, recreation and entertainment areas, as well as modern dining and accommodation facilities.

Damen and Windcat describe the concept as a “home-away-from-home”, reflecting the fact that offshore specialists may spend extended periods on board while working at remote offshore sites.

The vessel effectively operates as a floating offshore base.

It transports personnel and equipment, provides accommodation and enables safe personnel and cargo transfers directly at sea.

This combination of functions was one of the reasons the project received strong recognition from the jury.

Jury chairman Koos Ziman noted that Windcat Rotterdam is a highly complex vessel that required close cooperation between specialists from multiple disciplines.

He also highlighted the efficient onboard personnel logistics and the comfortable working and living environment created for crews spending long periods at sea.

Windcat Managing Director Willem van der Wel said the award recognised the cooperation between Damen and Windcat and demonstrated that advanced technology can be successfully combined with the practical requirements of offshore operations.

Windcat Rotterdam is the first of six CSOVs in the Elevation Series being developed for the rapidly growing offshore energy sector.

Three vessels were shortlisted for the Ship of the Year 2026 award.

In addition to Windcat Rotterdam, the finalists included the gas carrier Carbon Destroyer I, built by Royal Niestern Sander, and the dredger Rotterdam 26 from De Klop.

Windcat Rotterdam’s award reflects the direction of modern CSOV development: hybrid power, DP2, motion-compensated equipment, hydrogen readiness and improved crew comfort are increasingly becoming key features of the next generation of offshore vessels.