Cadeler’s Strategic Expansion in the Offshore Wind Industry
Cadeler has recently achieved a significant milestone in the offshore wind industry by delivering its latest wind turbine installation vessel, ‘Wind Maker,’ and securing contracts for its sister vessel, ‘Wind Mover.’ This delivery marks a strategic expansion of Cadeler’s fleet, bringing the total number of wind installation vessels to six. The vessel, designed to operate in challenging conditions, features a high-capacity main crane and DP2 capability for efficient positioning. The delivery is part of Cadeler’s newbuild program, with ‘Wind Mover’ scheduled for delivery in Q4 2025. The company has already secured a pipeline of exciting wind farm projects for immediate deployment, highlighting the vessel’s immediate operational readiness.
Overview of Cadeler’s New Wind Turbine Installation Vessel
Cadeler’s new wind turbine installation vessel, ‘Wind Maker,’ represents a significant milestone in the company’s strategic fleet expansion, marking the beginning of a new era in offshore wind turbine installations. As the first of two M-class wind installation vessels in Cadeler’s newbuild portfolio, ‘Wind Maker’ is engineered and equipped to install next-generation offshore wind turbines in challenging conditions. The vessel features a high-capacity 2,600t main crane, designed to handle the largest wind turbine components with ease. Its DP2 capability ensures fast, safe, and energy-efficient transit, further enhancing its operational efficiency. gCaptain Baird Maritime
Key Features of ‘Wind Maker’
The ‘Wind Maker,’ a state-of-the-art jack-up wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) delivered by Cadeler, stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in the offshore wind industry. This vessel is designed to operate in challenging conditions, making it a crucial asset for the installation of next-generation offshore wind turbines. The Wind Maker features a high-capacity 2,600t main crane, which is essential for handling the heavy components of wind turbines. This crane ensures precise and efficient lifting and installation of turbine components, significantly reducing installation times and enhancing overall project efficiency. The vessel’s DP2 capability allows for fast, safe, and energy-efficient transit, further enhancing its operational efficiency. This capability is particularly beneficial in the offshore environment, where precise positioning is critical for successful turbine installation. The Wind Maker is equipped to operate in water depths up to 65 meters, ensuring it can be deployed in various offshore locations. This versatility is a key advantage, as it allows Cadeler to service a wide range of wind farm projects across different geographic regions. Additionally, the vessel’s design specifications are tailored to withstand the harsh conditions of the offshore environment, including high winds, waves, and currents. This robustness ensures that the Wind Maker can operate reliably and safely in even the most challenging conditions, further enhancing its capability in offshore wind turbine installations. The Wind Maker is the first of two M-class vessels in Cadeler’s newbuild program, with its sister vessel, Wind Mover, scheduled for delivery in Q4 2025. This expansion of the fleet is part of Cadeler’s strategic plan to meet the growing demand for offshore wind energy and to secure a pipeline of exciting wind farm projects. The Wind Maker has already secured contracts for deployment immediately after its delivery, further solidifying its position as a key player in the offshore wind industry.
Contracts and Operational Readiness
Offshore wind installation specialist Cadeler has taken delivery of its latest jack-up wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) Wind Maker at Hanwha Ocean Shipyard in Korea. The delivery marks a significant expansion of Cadeler’s fleet, bringing its total number of wind installation vessels to six. The naming ceremony for Wind Maker took place on January 27, 2025, attended by company executives and key stakeholders. Wind Maker is the first of two M-class vessels in Cadeler’s newbuild program, with its sister vessel Wind Mover scheduled for delivery in Q4 2025. The vessel features a high-capacity 2,600t main crane and is designed to install next-generation offshore wind turbines in challenging conditions. It can operate in water depths up to 65 meters and is equipped with DP2 capability for efficient positioning. Mikkel Gleerup, CEO of Cadeler, said: “Today marks a significant achievement in our strategic fleet expansion and the successful culmination of years of planning and innovative engineering. Wind Maker is already contracted for deployment immediately after its delivery and she and her sister vessel have secured a pipeline of exciting wind farm projects.” In related news, Cadeler has secured two contracts for Wind Mover, set to commence upon the vessel’s delivery. The contracts, with undisclosed clients, cover operations and maintenance activities and potential installation work in Europe. The combined agreement has an estimated value of up to EUR 75 million, with the final value dependent on delivery dates and scope of work.
Future Plans and Strategic Expansion
Cadeler, a subsidiary of BW Group, has unveiled ambitious future plans that are set to significantly impact the offshore wind industry. One of the key milestones in Cadeler’s strategic roadmap is the delivery of the ‘Wind Maker’ vessel in Q4 2025. This vessel, the first of two M-class wind installation vessels in Cadeler’s newbuild portfolio, is engineered and equipped to install next-generation offshore wind turbines in challenging conditions. The ‘Wind Maker’ features a high-capacity 2,600t main crane, designed to handle the most demanding wind turbine installations, and is equipped with DP2 capability, allowing for fast, safe, and energy-efficient transit.
These advancements are part of Cadeler’s long-term strategic goals for fleet expansion. The company aims to significantly increase its fleet of wind installation vessels, with plans to deliver the second M-class vessel in 2026. This expansion is driven by the growing demand for offshore wind energy and the need to install increasingly larger and more complex wind turbines. Cadeler’s fleet expansion is not just about quantity; it is also about quality. The company is investing heavily in innovative engineering solutions to enhance the efficiency and capability of its vessels. This includes the development of advanced crane systems, improved positioning technologies, and robust structural designs to withstand harsh offshore conditions.
The impact of Cadeler’s future plans on the offshore wind industry is profound. The delivery of the ‘Wind Maker’ and the subsequent expansion of the fleet will accelerate the installation of offshore wind turbines, thereby contributing to the global transition to renewable energy sources. This timely intervention is crucial for meeting the ambitious targets set by governments and international bodies to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Cadeler’s commitment to innovation and efficiency will not only speed up the deployment of offshore wind projects but also ensure that these projects are executed with the highest standards of safety and environmental sustainability.
In addition to its fleet expansion, Cadeler is also focusing on strategic partnerships and collaborations. The company has secured contracts with major offshore wind projects, including those with Eneti, a Monaco-based company specializing in offshore wind farm construction and services. Eneti, which was acquired by Cadeler in December 2023, brings a wealth of experience and a strong portfolio of projects to the table. This partnership will enable Cadeler to leverage Eneti’s expertise in project management and execution, further strengthening its position in the offshore wind market. Eneti (company)
Moreover, Cadeler’s integration into the BW Group, one of the world’s leading maritime companies, provides it with unparalleled access to resources, technology, and market opportunities. BW Group’s extensive network and global presence will enable Cadeler to expand its reach and influence in the offshore wind industry. The company’s controlled fleet of over 490 ships and its involvement in various maritime sectors, including floating gas infrastructure and deep-water oil & gas production, further underscores its commitment to diversifying its business portfolio and staying at the forefront of maritime innovation. BW Group
Conclusion
Cadeler’s future plans are not just about delivering a new vessel; they represent a comprehensive strategy to revolutionize the offshore wind industry. The delivery of the ‘Wind Maker’ in Q4 2025 and the subsequent fleet expansion are not mere milestones but stepping stones to a future where offshore wind energy is the cornerstone of sustainable energy solutions. Through innovative engineering, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to excellence, Cadeler is poised to lead the charge in the offshore wind revolution.
Leave a Reply