Windcat, a subsidiary of the Saverys family-controlled CMB.TECH, has secured long-term contracts to supply crew transfer vessel (CTV) services for Ørsted’s offshore wind farm operations, according to Splash247. The agreements will run for a firm term of five years, with optional extensions available, ensuring stable crew-transfer capacity for Ørsted’s UK hub operations.
Contract Overview
The Danish offshore wind developer Ørsted elected to enter new long-term contracts for seven vessels that are already operating on its UK projects, rather than relying on previous extension options. The vessels will support Ørsted’s Generation UK Hub, which operates and maintains six offshore wind farms from Grimsby’s Royal Docks, delivering green energy to millions of homes and businesses.
Vessel Specifications
All seven vessels are based in Grimsby and consist of a mix of medium and large CTVs. The fleet includes four 12-seater vessels and three 24-seater vessels, as reported by Splash247. The table below summarises the vessel composition:
| Vessel Type | Number of Vessels | Passenger Capacity Each |
|---|---|---|
| 12-seater CTV | 4 | 12 |
| 24-seater CTV | 3 | 24 |
| Total | 7 | — |
Strategic Importance
The contracts further strengthen the long-standing relationship between Windcat and Ørsted. Willem van der Wel, managing director at Windcat Workboats, commented:
“Ørsted’s long-term commitment to charter seven of our vessels to support their UK hub is a testament to the high-class services we provide.”
The agreement provides Windcat with assured revenue and utilisation for its CTV fleet, while Ørsted secures reliable crew-transfer capacity for at least five years, with the potential to extend further. For logistics and freight professionals, the deal highlights the importance of specialised vessel chartering in the offshore wind supply chain — where crew transport is a critical link to maintain turbine maintenance and operations schedules.
Implications for Shippers and Operators
The long-term nature of these contracts reduces spot-market volatility for offshore wind logistics operators relying on CTVs. With a firm five-year term, Windcat can plan crewing, maintenance, and dry-dock schedules, while Ørsted avoids periodic renegotiations. For the Port of Grimsby, the commitment underpins steady traffic of crew transfer vessels from the Royal Docks, supporting port-side logistics services such as fuel supply, catering, and equipment handling.
Watch List
- Potential exercise of optional extensions beyond the initial five-year term, which could signal Ørsted’s confidence in its UK wind farm portfolio.
- Any further fleet additions or expansions by Windcat or CMB.TECH in response to growing offshore wind demand in the North Sea.
- Broader contract tenders for CTV services from other offshore wind operators in the UK and European markets.
Sources:
