Wind shipping start-up Windward Offshore is forming a joint venture with Norway’s Stodig Ship Management to run its new fleet.
The German company said Seatrans-owned Stodig will handle technical and crewing operations for its four commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs).
Windward said the partnership marks a “significant milestone”, ensuring operational excellence and first-class service on the ships.
The Hamburg-based owner was set up last year by Greek bulker owner Diana Shipping and Germany’s SeaRenergy Offshore, Blue Star Group and SeraVerse.
The management venture will also be based in Hamburg, which the partners describe as a hub for offshore wind activities.
Windward said it carried out a rigorous tender process to find a manager that spanned several months.
“After evaluating multiple potential partners, Windward Offshore selected Stodig due to its agility, extensive experience and proven track record in managing similar vessels,” the owner added.
Benjamin Vordemfelde, managing director of Windward Offshore, said: “Stodig’s expertise in managing vessels, particularly CSOVs and SOVs, is a perfect fit to our experience in offshore wind operations and commitment to excellence.”
Each CSOV will accommodate 120 people.
Earlier this year, Windward declared options for the third and fourth ships in the series.
The first two are being built by Vard in Romania and Norway. Two more will follow from Vard’s Vietnam yard.
Methanol-ready
They will feature battery hybrid technology and be prepared for future operation on green methanol.
The first ship is due next year, the others in 2026.
Gisle Rong, Stodig’s managing director, said: “We are excited to see this partnership materialise and dedicated to contributing to success. The quality approach of Windward Offshore fits well with our strategy of providing high-quality, tailor-made services for our customers.”
Stodig told TradeWinds in 2022 that it was positioning itself to tap into a huge potential expansion of offshore wind farm commissioning in Norway.
The Bergen-based company was formed in 2021 by Norwegian tanker and ro-ro owner Seatrans and giant Cyprus-based manager Columbia, which exited in 2023.
