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Windward Offshore launches offshore wind service venture with two new state-of-the-art CSOV vessels

Hamburg, Munich, and Athens, October 23, 2023

Windward Offshore launches offshore wind service venture with two state-of-the-art CSOV vessels.

The joint venture consortium utilizes maritime expertise to drive the offshore wind energy transition forward.

Windward Offshore, a forward-thinking joint venture consortium which is currently established led by SeaRenergy Group in collaboration with Blue Star Group, Diana Shipping Inc., and SeraVerse GmbH, takes a crucial step in strengthening the offshore wind energy sector. The consortium has ordered two stateof-the-art Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOV) from VARD to establish a sturdy basis for its maritime asset services focusing on bolstering the burgeoning offshore wind industry. With the world’s accelerating transition towards a carbon-neutral economy, offshore wind farms are acknowledged as key players in accomplishing decarbonization objectives. Windward Offshore will play a key role in the energy transition by providing integrated offshore wind service solutions. The CSOVs act as the centerpiece for servicing wind farms during the critical commissioning phase, encapsulating the consortium’s strategy of delivering integrated solutions through a combination of vessels, engineering, maintenance, and operation services.

Due to recent political changes, there is an increasing need for investment in offshore wind infrastructure. While the changes in the political framework have fostered the entry of new developers into the offshore wind market, the investment activities in the Offshore Wind infrastructure are still by far too low.

“The Rickmers family has now decided to -again- actively support the Energy Transition and be a first mover to ensure availability of attractive vessel capacity in 2025 and beyond, when the wind farm projects currently under planning and permitting will be installed and commissioned,”, Clasen Rickmers, Owner of SeaRenergy and The Asian Spirit Steamship Company GmbH & Cie. KG says. “I am proud to be able to manage the transition of our fleet together with the partners in WINDWARD. I am convinced of the potential of this investment and cannot emphasize enough that this strategic move enables us to provide customers and
partners with state-of-the-art and future-proof offshore wind tonnage”.

Dr. Benjamin Vordemfelde, CEO of SeaRenergy, states: „Our alliance in Windward Offshore, bolstered by VARD’s technical proficiency and the consortium’s maritime mastery combined with SeaRenergy’ s 13 years of providing comprehensive services to the Offshore Wind industry expertise will set a new standard in the provision of offshore wind service tonnage.

The CSOVs exemplify our united dedication to sustainable offshore wind infrastructure based on experience and innovation. “ The endeavor seeks to establish a collection of offshore wind service ships, commencing with the CSOVs, to meet the vast global need for offshore wind energy.

Europe, a leader in wind farm installations, aims to elevate its offshore wind capacity currently at 30 GW with an additional 9 GW in development. The official targets of European countries amount to approximately 163 GW by 2030, displaying a significant commitment to advancing the offshore wind sector. The consortium’s strategy aligns perfectly with market dynamics and the urgent need for dependable renewable infrastructure service partners to support these ambitious energy transition goals.

Windward offshore is a critical collaborative effort to meet the increasing demand for renewable energy. „This joint venture aligns with Blue Star Group’s goals and leverages maritime excellence to offer unbeatable offshore wind service solutions,“ says Christoph Gleck-Schlich, CEO of Blue Star Group. „We are excited to announce our entry into a new sector of the shipping industry through a strategic partnership involving the acquisition of two CSOV vessels. We view this investment as another attestation to our commitment for a greener and more sustainable future. Together with our esteemed partners, we embark on an exciting journey that should contribute to a cleaner and more eco-friendly world“ stated Semiramis Paliou, Director and CEO of Diana Shipping Inc. Windward Offshore’s venture represents a collaborative and innovative approach to tackle challenges and seize opportunities in the global energy transition. The consortium, unified by a common vision, is embarking on a journey to establish an integrated offshore wind service company that emphasizes synergy in harnessing each partner’s unique strengths and expertise in the joint venture. „This venture is a prime investment opportunity in the burgeoning offshore wind sector, showcasing the type of strategic partnerships essential for advancing renewable energy infrastructure,“ affirms Philipp Haindl, owner of Serafin and SeraVerse.

The initial CSOV, created specifically for proficient and sustainable support operations for offshore wind farms, is set to be delivered in 2025. These vessels will play a key role in the joint venture’s long-term plan to assist energy companies in establishing and maintaining offshore wind parks, resulting in a stronger and more environmentally friendly energy supply.

For more information, please contact: Dr. Benjamin Vordemfelde Managing Director b.vordemfelde@searenergy.com

About Windward Offshore: Windward Offshore is a consortium which is currently in establishment and formed by industry leaders to establish an Integrated Offshore Wind Service Company. With a shared vision, the partners aim to create 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.

About SeaRenergy & ASSC: SeaRenergy was established in 2010 and is the Offshore Wind Services Arm of the Rickmers family. The SeaRenergy service portfolio comprises Engineering, QHSE and Marine Services as well as Offshore Professionals, covering the whole life cycle of an offshore wind project from early planning through installation to operation, maintenance, and repair. ASSC is rooted in the shipping heritage of the Rickmers family investing in various businesses. Creating new assets through innovation and entrepreneurial spirit as well as preserving and developing existing assets. ASSC manages a wide range of investments and holdings in the fields of shipping, offshore wind, real estate and other profitable sectors found in growing markets around the globe.

About Blue Star Group: Founded in 2018, Blue Star Group is an investment management firm dedicated to project development, structuring, and ongoing asset management in the shipping industry. With a strategic focus on fuel transition and shaping the energy transition of global maritime transport, Blue Star Group also invests in ventures within the maritime economy, shipping, and logistics, aiming to support projects with clear decarbonization objectives.

About Diana Shipping Inc.: Diana Shipping Inc. is a global provider of shipping transportation services through its ownership and bareboat charter-in of dry bulk vessels. The Company’s vessels are employed primarily on short to medium-term time charters and transport a range of dry bulk cargoes, including such commodities as iron ore, coal, grain and other materials along worldwide shipping routes.

About Serafin & SeraVerse: Serafin and SeraVerse, founded by Philipp Haindl, are invested in diversified portfolios across the industrial and non-industrial sectors respectively. SeraVerse, focusing on the nonindustrial/venture segment, operates under the principle of „Empowering Ventures,” and is actively engaged in financial asset management, wealth management, TV & media, and private equity. By continuously evaluating new business partnerships and offering a robust service range, SeraVerse aims to foster long-term growth and innovation in future-proof industries.

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.