Belgium's CMB Technologies and Dutch operator Windcat Workboats have begun development of a series of hydrogen-powered crewboats for offshore wind support duties.
Each crewboat will have capacity for 24 passengers and two 745kW engines that will deliver a cruising speed of 25 knots. The expected hydrogen fuel consumption is 170 kilograms per day.
The first units in the series are expected to enter service in the third quarter of 2020. Among the initial projects to be undertaken by the new vessels will be windfarm support duties in the Dutch North Sea under a contract signed with Vattenfall.