Hong Kong group Anglo-Eastern has won a deal to manage a fleet of new low-carbon offshore wind vessels ordered by the Saverys family’s Windcat operation.
Windcat, now part of the merged Euronav/CMB.Tech group, said Anglo-Eastern will handle technical and crewing operations for the six hydrogen-powered elevation commissioning service operation vessels being built by Dutch company Damen Shipyards.
The owner had placed its confidence in Anglo-Eastern Technical Services, the technical consulting arm, to oversee the CSOVs’ construction back in 2021, it said.
The deal strengthens the relationship between the two groups.
In April, Euronav sold its Greek ship management arm, Euronav Ship Management Hellas, to Anglo-Eastern.
The signing of the ship management agreement for the first vessel took place last month in Hong Kong.
“This partnership represents a significant development in Anglo-Eastern’s strategy to expand its technical consulting services and fleet management capabilities in the offshore renewable energy sector,” the companies said.
The CSOVs are specialised ships that remain in offshore wind farms for up to 30 days, providing maintenance materials and accommodation for up to 90 technicians in hotel-style facilities.
Damen’s Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam is building the fleet, with the first dual-fuel unit due in 2025.
“These are the first ships of this type to operate using hydrogen,” the partners added.
Anglo-Eastern chief executive Bjorn Hojgaard said: “By combining our deep industry knowledge and shared vision for a greener future, we are confident this investment in clean-energy technology will pave the way for more environmentally responsible maritime solutions.”
Windcat managing director Willem Van Der Wel said the partnership is a significant step forward.
“With Anglo-Eastern’s extensive global reach and their rich experience in ship management, we can further broaden our horizons and offer the same unparalleled service and innovation that our customers know, to this new vessel type, worldwide,” he added.
This month, Euronav revealed a newbuilding deal for two hydrogen-ready crew transfer vessels at Gdansk shipyard ALU International, signed by FRS Windcat Polska.
These will be dedicated to the Polish offshore wind industry from 2025.
The contract includes the option to order an unspecified number of additional vessels at a later stage.
