Damen and Windcat introduce the Innovation Series offshore support vessels
Damen Shipyards Group and Windcat announced in late November 2025 a significant development of offshore supply vessels: The Innovation Series. On 25 November during the Offshore Energy Conference in Amsterdam, Windcat signed a contract with Damen for this multi purpose accommodation support vessel with options to add five more of this type. The Innovation Series concept targets offshore energy projects which require extended accommodation capacity along with high capability deck and subsea support services.
This new design for multi purpose accommodation support vessels measures approximately 102 metres long with a beam of 20 metres, providing approximately 750 square metres of open deck area suitable for cargo, mission equipment and subsea spreads. The vessel will feature a large open working deck, subsea crane and dynamic positioning capabilities up to DP2 plus standard with additional tunnel thrusters available should one thruster fail; its series is also intended to deliver fuel efficient operations and improved crew comfort, reflecting market pressure for lower emissions and better quality offshore accommodation solutions. The series is scheduled to deliver fuel-efficient operations while offering lower emissions while offering higher quality offshore accommodation as per current market demands of lower emissions while providing quality offshore accommodation as per current market demands of lower emissions while providing higher quality offshore accommodation[
Damen is planning to launch the Innovation Series multi purpose accommodation support vessel at Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam early 2026 with delivery scheduled in 2028, providing owners with next generation offshore support capacity ahead of anticipated demand from offshore wind and other energy projects.The series builds upon Damen and Windcat's Elevation Series commissioning service operations vessels developed jointly; but with larger dimensions and increased capability targeted towards longer duration campaigns.
Brazilian demand drives long term chartering of offshore supply tonnage.
Brazil remains a critical demand hub for offshore supply vessels, and recent weeks have witnessed further activity between Petrobras and leading owners. Solstad Offshore ASA recently announced that it had secured a long term charter contract valued at approximately US $ 73 Million for Normand Topazio with Petrobras which will begin in the first quarter of 2026 and support Petrobras operations on Brazil's continental shelf.
DOF Group was awarded long-term contracts by Petrobras for two of their offshore support vessels to work offshore Brazil with an estimated value of $200 Million United States Dollars. These awards further cement DOF's Brazilian portfolio while emphasizing Petrobras' plans to strengthen its offshore support fleet through commissioning additional vessels by 2026; indeed the Brazilian major expects a total of 48 new support ships by that date to help support production and development campaigns.
Analysts following the offshore service vessel sector note that Brazil remains one of the more dynamic regional markets despite softening oil prices and reduced rig counts in certain basins globally. Petrobras' continued drilling and field development activities during its cycle has supported dayrates for anchor handlers and platform supply vessels from Petrobras; new contracts with Solstad and DOF confirm long-term demand outlook in Brazil
Retrofit programs and equipment contracts enhance efficiency in existing fleets.
While few new offshore supply vessel orders have come through recently, retrofitting and equipment upgrades to existing tonnage has increased substantially over the last month. Offshore support operator Tidewater recently selected GLO Marine and VMS Group Denmark to complete a multi vessel retrofit program across three continents that involves 16 vessels from its offshore support fleet as part of a comprehensive multi vessel retrofit program designed to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and meet evolving energy requirements for their multi vessel retrofit program. The scope includes engineering works intended to increase efficiency while adapting these vessels in line with evolving energy demands while adapting existing vessels in line with emerging requirements as part of an evolving multi vessel retrofit program designed by Tidewater's multi vessel retrofit program. Offshore support operator Tidewater selected GLO Marine and VMS Group Denmark for their multi vessel retrofit program covering 16 vessels across three continents that includes several units belonging to its offshore support fleet as part of an upgrade program to extend their life and capabilities further. Offshore support operator Tidewater selected GLO Marine and VMS Group Denmark to carry out the multi vessel retrofit program which includes engineering works intended to enhance efficiency, reduce emissions while adapt the vessels to changing offshore energy demands
Crane specialist Huisman has made waves in the construction support sector related to larger offshore support vessels by signing an agreement with COSCO Qidong Offshore to supply two 250 metric ton knuckle boom cranes to Sea1 Offshore's energy support vessel for installation on board. These cranes are specially-engineered for subsea construction and maintenance operations and reflect ongoing investment in high capacity handling systems for next-generation offshore units. Kongsberg Maritime has also entered into an agreement to supply launch and recovery systems for four new offshore construction vessels being manufactured by Sea1 Offshore, each vessel to feature two telescopic A frame systems, electric umbilical winches, energy efficient hydraulic power units for deepwater remotely operated vehicle tasks as well as subsea tasks.
These retrofit and equipment packages reflect a wider market assessment that the global offshore supply and service vessel fleet is ageing, yet economics do not warrant an extensive newbuild cycle. Instead, owners and suppliers are opting to extend asset life while improving dynamic positioning systems, lifting systems, subsea handling capabilities, energy efficiency measures through targeted retrofits or targeted upgrades - strategies which should continue into next year as operators seek balance constrained capital with environmental regulations coming in and emerging opportunities such as offshore wind or long cycle oil and gas projects.
Regional Market Indicators and Fleet Strategies in the Offshore Supply Segment
Recent industry analysis indicates that, despite volatile oil markets and revised demand forecasts, offshore supply vessels are benefiting from regional bright spots and structural constraints on fleet growth. According to Westwood Global Energy Group data, global rig utilisation has decreased since 2024 levels, yet production activity and field development work in Brazil, Guyana and parts of West Africa remains strong, driving platform supply vessels demand for platform supply and anchor handling vessels. Analysts note that very limited newbuild ordering since the previous market downturn combined with ageing tonnage is helping prevent an oversupply situation that occurred previously even as some dayrates have softened.
Owners like Tidewater and DOF are employing an aggressive two-pronged strategy: they seek long-term charters in resilient regions while investing in retrofits and specialist equipment rather than large scale newbuilding speculative newbuilding. With advanced concepts like Damen and Windcat Innovation Series multi purpose accommodation support vessel being introduced into the market, new tonnage purchased is often highly specialised for specific roles offshore wind and energy support roles with enhanced dynamic positioning, subsea handling and accommodation standards. Together these developments from last month point towards an active yet cautious offshore supply vessel market where carefully targeted investment remains key in maintaining usage and returns.