Windcat Workboat sets a new standard for efficiency with batteries by MG

Windcat Workboats is Europe’s leading provider of specialist crew transfer vessels to offshore wind power industry. These high speed crafts are operated on a daily basis to ferry technicians and other personnel to and from installations in North West Europe, from the UK to Denmark and Germany.

The small yet fast catamarans are optimised to guarantee excellent quality of service, enabling the crew to perform their work offshore without delay, in a reliable and comfortable way. When it comes to operational safety the company is committed to the highest standards for international projects.

Windcat 41 is the latest addition to its fleet. This state of the art vessel, carrying 26 technicians, was built according to the latest technologies, rules and regulations. In order to comply with the industry’s energy reduction goals, while simultaneously meeting ever-increasing demands for higher comfort and performance, the 23 meter vessel was radically optimised in terms of hull design and – in stead of conventional batteries – outfitted with MG’s lithium-ion equivalents, due to their superior energy density.

The result surpassed all expectations. High performance, at a top speed of 31 knots using only two 720kW engines, with low fuel consumption and low emissions, stating a reduction of up to 40% compared to conventional designs. Which also yields a saving in costs. Thus the Wincat 41 sets a new industry standard for efficiency.

A total of four energy systems were installed, for emergency, service (twofold) and radio. Work on installing a similar setup on the next vessel is already underway. While MG’s energy systems are often used on luxurious super yachts, this projects shows they’re strong enough to perform on industrial workboats too.

Components used

Emergency system

• 5 x MG Lithium-Ion HE battery module (24V / 200Ah)
• 1 x MG Master LV (600A)

Service systems (twofold)

• 2 x MG Lithium-Ion HE battery module (24V / 200Ah)
• 1 x MG Master LV (600A)

Radio system

• 1 x MG Lithium-Ion HE battery module (24V / 200Ah)
• 1 x MG Master LV (150A)

Supply, installation & certification

This system is supplied and installed by our partner Alewijnse Marine and certified by DNV-GL.