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Windward Offshore signs CSOV contracts with North Star for RWE Operation & Maintanance works

Windward Offshore is proud to announce the signing of its first charter contracts for the two purpose-built Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs), Windward Athens and Windward Paris. For this project, the vessels will be deployed specifically to support operations and maintenance (O&M) activities. The agreements were finalized last month together with North Star, the UK’s largest shipowner-operator which is headquartered in Aberdeen and has operations in Lowestoft, Newcastle (all UK) and Hamburg, Germany.

Through this partnership, Windward Offshore and North Star will jointly support RWE’s offshore wind operations in the United Kingdom and Germany. The Windward Athens will commence service in winter 2025 within RWE’s German offshore wind farms, located north of the island of Helgoland, while the Windward Paris is scheduled to begin operations in summer 2026 at the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm off the British coast.

Built at VARD’s shipyards in Romania and Norway, the vessels represent the latest generation of CSOVs, equipped with ultra-low-emission technologies, battery hybrid systems and smart automation to reduce environmental impact. Each vessel is fitted with an Ampelmann W-Type walk-to-work gangway, 7t motion-compensated 3D- crane and accommodation for up to 120 personnel, ensuring safe and efficient offshore logistics even under challenging weather conditions.

This achievement represents a significant step in Windward Offshore’s establishment in the Service Vessel market and underscores the company’s commitment to building reliable, future-oriented partnerships. By aligning closely with North Star and RWE, Windward Offshore contributes to enabling RWE to execute their operations and maintenance works on time and with high efficiency.

“These first charter agreements for Windward are a fantastic proof that the industry honors Windward’s forward-thinking service approach and our commitment to supporting the growing offshore wind sector through strong partnerships,” said Dr. Benjamin Vordemfelde, Managing Director of Windward Offshore. “Together with North Star and RWE, we are laying the groundwork for safe, reliable, and sustainable offshore operations.” Gitte Gard Talmo, CEO at North Star said: “Following the award of two long-term CSOV charters with RWE for the Grampian Eagle and the Grampian Kestrel, we’re pleased to be working with Windward Offshore, who will provide two vessels to front-run operations until our ships are available by the end of 2026. This interim solution is a strong example of cross-industry collaboration, ensuring continuity and a shared focus on safe, efficient, and future-ready offshore operations. Thanks to everyone involved for their commitment in moving this project forward.”

For further information please contact:

Caspar Blum
General Manager
commercial@windward-offshore.com

About Windward Offshore

Windward Offshore was formed to establish an Integrated Offshore Wind Vessel & Service Company, building a robust portfolio of offshore wind service vessels, initially focusing on Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs). By providing integrated solutions, combining vessels with Engineering, Maintenance and Operation Services, Windward Offshore is poised to become a reliable partner for energy companies, supporting the commissioning phase and maintenance of offshore wind farms. Windward’s strong shareholder base – including internationally listed corporations (Diana Shipping Inc., Marubeni Corporation), family-owned investment holdings, as well as institutional investors – supports the company’s growth and strategic development. The close link to the SeaRenergy Group, since 2010 an independent provider to the offshore wind industry with full lifecycle offering spanning from consulting and engineering services and installation to commissioning, operation, and maintenance, ensures a solution-focussed understanding of daily operations within wind farms. Windward Offshore is committed to accelerating the construction and maintenance of wind farms worldwide, delivering comprehensive and innovative solutions to ensure their success and sustainability.

www.windward-offshore.com

About North Star Shipping Ltd.

North Star is the UK’s market-leading fully integrated shipowner-operator, delivering mission-critical offshore infrastructure support services across the offshore wind and oil and gas sectors. Headquartered in Aberdeen with operational bases in Lowestoft, Newcastle and Hamburg, the company employs around 1,400 offshore and onshore personnel. Established over 138 years ago to support the fisheries industry, North Star has since built five decades of proven expertise in the energy sector. Today, it operates a fleet of 48 vessels, including 42 Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels (ERRVs) that provide continuous support to approximately 50 North Sea installation around the clock, 365 days a year. In support of the energy transition, North Star has invested over half a billion pounds in offshore wind, delivering its first four Service Operation Vessels (SOVs), with two additional SOVs under construction. The company has also built its first two Commissioning SOVs to meet the increasing demands of Europe’s offshore wind market. As the UK’s largest employer of offshore cadets, North Star is committed to the future of maritime, investing around £1 million annually since 1996 to train the next generation of deck and engineering professionals. By combining safety, service, and quality, North Star delivers reliable, high-performance support in some of the world’s most challenging offshore environments. 

www.north-star.co.uk

Vita Clasen Rickmers
Advisory Board Member
Managing Partner and Chairman of the ASSC Group which is the sole owner of Searenergy; ASSC has various other activities in real estate, aviation, private and venture capital
Vita Christoph Auer
Advisory Board Member
Managing Director at SeraVerse, a Serafin company, with board roles at Serafin Asset Management, Eccho Rights, and Curve Media
Vita Ioannis Zafirakis
Advisory Board Member
Director, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer (amongst other roles) of Diana Shipping Inc. // held various senior executive roles within the Diana Shipping Group

Vita Arnim von der Lieth

Project Director Newbuilding

Arnim is Project Director Newbuilding at Windward Offshore. After his duties as Chief Engineer, Arnim joined the Rickmers Reederei, later Rickmers Shipmanagement and Zeaborn Shipmanagement, in 1994 as Superintendent and Newbuilding Superintendent. In 2003 he took over the lead of the newbuilding department overseeing the deliveries of 167 vessels of various types.

Vita Wencke Hansen

Financial Reporting & Accounting

Wencke is Windward’s Financial Reporting and Accounting Manager and Commercial Director at Blue Star Group since 2022. Before, she was at Ernst & Young – Audit as Manager and authorized signatory with a focus on group companies within the energy and medical devices sector. Wencke is a foreign trade merchant in shipping and has a degree in business administration & accounting and law from the Leuphana University in Lüneburg.

Vita Tim Ostermann

Technical and Financial Oversight

Tim has the role of Technical and Financial Oversight. He is Co-Founder and Partner at Blue Star Group. Prior he was employed as Investment Manager at the Offen Group and has extensive experience in the commercial and operational management of shipping companies as well as in Sale and Purchase (S&P) activities.

Vita Jan Rivera Sagehorn

Tender Manager

Jan is Tender Manager at Windward Offshore and a Naval Architect with a strong customer-oriented focus. Prior to joining Windward Offshore, he gained experience in various roles, primarily in sales and tendering within the maritime and offshore industries. He holds a Master of Science in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from the Technical University of Hamburg.

Vita Nathalie Schleu

Investment Manager

Nathalie is Investment Manager at Windward Offshore and  an experienced Investment Analyst specializing in the maritime and offshore sectors. Before joining Windward Offshore, she worked as an Analyst at the Offen Group and is a trained Shipping Merchant with a degree from the University of Economics & Management.

Vita Caspar Blum

General Manager

Caspar acts as General Manager focusing on the commercial development of Windward Offshore. With over a decade of leadership experience in the offshore energy sector, he brings expertise in business development, strategic planning and chartering of offshore vessels. Prior to joining Windward Offshore, he held leadership positions at North Star, Ampelmann Operations, and gained experience as an offshore shipbroker. 

Vita Bastian Hagebeuker

Managing Director

Bastian, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Windward Offshore, is a partner at Blue Star Group. Prior to co-founding Windward Offshore he worked as an Investment Manager at the Offen Group, where he was responsible for asset-backed shipping investments alongside institutional clients, as well asearly-stage and seed investments in maritime and logistics start-ups.

Vita Christoph Geck-Schlich

Managing Director

Christoph is a Founding Partner and Managing Director at Windward Offshore. He also holds the position of Managing Director at the Blue Star Group, one of Windward’s shareolders.  Prior to co-founding Windward Offshore, Christophwas Chief Investment Officer (CIO) at the Offen Group where he was responsible for all investments with regards to the fleet expansion.

Since 2023, we have embedded sustainability concepts into our daily operations through an internal awareness initiative. This initiative includes educational materials, practical tips, insights on current topics, and interactive events such as the Green Kayak Tour or excursions on environmental topics. We also prioritize suppliers for after-work and customer events that incorporate ecological aspects, such as the “Energiebunker” in Hamburg Georgswerder. Our daily operations reflect our commitment to sustainability, from an electric company pool car and company bikes to sourcing sustainable electricity and gas. 

Vita Bennet Möller

Managing Director
Elbe1

Bennet Möller, Managing Director of Elbe1 since 2023, initially joined the company in 2016 as a Technical Project Manager. Throughout his professional career he has acquired extensive experience in renewable energy project development and construction across Europe, the US, and APAC regions, consulting on various aspects such as M&A, TDD, EPCI and compliance management  of offshore wind farms. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Industrial Engineering.

Vita Jelte-Steffen Hipp

Managing Director
Elbe1

Jelte-Steffen Hipp, Managing Director of Elbe1 since 2023, has more than 15 years of experience in renewable energy, demonstrated in several international engineering projects, as well as certification, service, and warranty cases. He holds a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Energy Systems from Chalmers (Gothenburg) and a Bachelor’s in Energy and Environmental Engineering from TU Hamburg. 

Vita Alexander Vogel

Managing Director
Con4Mare

Alexander Vogel, holds a diploma in Naval Architecture and has been Managing Director at Con4Mare since 2013. With over 15 years of distinguished experience in the offshore wind industry, he has led international projects in various roles, specializing in Marine Operations and Marine Warranty Survey. Additionally, Alexander is an authorized expert in HDT for cranes and lifting equipment, as well as in the examination of wire ropes in cranes

Vita Andreas Puls

Managing Director
Con4Mare

Andreas Puls assumed the role of Managing Director at Con4Mare in 2023. Graduating with a degree in physics and specializing in material science, he shifted to project certification for offshore wind farms in 2011.

With over a decade of experience across various positions, he has spearheaded numerous projects in certification.

Vita Hagen Heesch

General Manager, CTO
SeaRenergy

Hagen Heesch, founder and initial owner of Elbe1 GmbH, joined SeaRenergy in 2019 and was appointed as CTO (ppa) in early 2023, overseeing SeaRenergy’s engineering activities.

With a degree in Civil Engineering, he brings 15 years of offshore wind experience, specializing in design, certification, and permitting consultancy. Before his entrepreneurial career, he worked at DNV-GL.

Vita Natalia Kress

General Manager, COO
SeaRenergy

Natalia Kress joined SeaRenergy as General Manager (ppa) in 2017. In early 2023, she was appointed as COO at SeaRenergy, overseeing the Sales & Execution department.

She has 15 years of experience in the offshore industry, especially in the installation and operation phases of offshore wind farms with a particular focus on heavy lift vessels and O&M offshore logistics. 

Vita Jan Boje Steffens

Managing Director
SeaRenergy

Jan Boje Steffens is the co-founder of SeaRenergy. He has more than 30 years of experience in the shipping industry, especially in the segments of breakbulk, heavy lift, and project cargo.

 

Until 2012, Jan was CEO and Partner of the Rickmers Group. Thereafter, he took the post as Managing Director of SeaRenergy.

Johann Philipp - General Manager SeaRenergy

Vita Johann Philipp

General Manager 
SeaRenergy

Naval architect Johann Philipp joined SeaRenergy’s BorWin / HelWin Project Team in September 2011 as an engineering consultant. He formally joined SeaRenergy in January 2013 and became General Manager (ppa) in 2016. 

With more than 20 years’ experience in structural engineering, Johann possesses a wealth of knowledge in conceptual and detailed ship design issues, technical project planning, and marine warranty surveys.

Vita Beispiel

Managing Director
CEO

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Vita Johann Philipp

Managing Director
CEO

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Vita Benjamin Vordemfelde

Managing Director, CEO
SeaRenergy

Benjamin is Founding Partner of Windward Offshore and currently holds the CEO position at SeaRenergy, where he has been Managing Director since 2014. With 15 years of business experience, he held various positions in the shipping and media industries, focusing on business development, investor relations, public relations, and asset management.