Cadeler sails out new-generation wind vessel for 20MW-plus turbine era

Vessel owner says latest addition is response to customers 'pushing the boundaries in terms of size and complexity of wind turbines'

Wind PeakWTIV. sailing from COSCO yard, Qidong.
Wind PeakWTIV. sailing from COSCO yard, Qidong.Photo: Cadeler
Cadeler, a big Oslo-listed owner of offshore wind installation vessels, has taken delivery of the latest addition to its fleet, the Wind Peak wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV).
Described as an addition to Cadeler's fleet of 'P-class' jack-ups, Wind Peak was delivered from the COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry shipyard in Qidong, China today (Friday).

Cadeler described its new vessel as "the most modern and innovative vessel in the industry, fully designed to cater to the growing needs and demands of future wind farms in terms of size, scope, and complexity".

It can transport and install seven complete 15MW turbine sets or five sets of 20MW-plus turbines per load, the company said.

This shift to bigger vessels is aimed at reducing both the costs and emissions involved per fixed-bottom turbine installed.

Wind Peak is the first in a batch of seven new-build vessels ordered under Cadeler contracts. A sister vessel, Wind Pace WTIV, is under construction at the same yard and is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2025.

Both ships will be registered in Denmark, where Cadeler is headquartered.

Cadeler CEO Mikkel Gleerup.Photo: Cadeler

Mikkel Gleerup, CEO of Cadeler, stated: “Our customers are constantly pushing the boundaries in terms of size and complexity of the wind turbines being installed offshore. As a trusted supplier to the industry, our success is a measure of our ability to cater to these changing needs both now and in the future.”

The P-class vessels can be powered by biofuels, with a hybrid electrical system to save excess energy for reuse, Gleerup noted

Liang Yanfeng, Chairman of COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry said: “This project pioneers the use of hybrid oil-electric power technology and is among the most advanced offshore wind turbine installation vessels globally. As a crucial piece of equipment in the renewable energy supply chain, its delivery will play a significant role in the current competitive market and support Cadeler in leading the global wind power sector.”

The two vessels have a deck space of 5,600 square metres, a payload capacity of over 17,600 tonnes, and a main crane capable of lifting more than 2,500 tonnes at 53 metres.

Other engineering and technology suppliers on the vessels include GustoMSC NOV, Kongsberg, Huisman, and MAN Energy.

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Published 16 August 2024, 12:35Updated 16 August 2024, 12:53
WTIVCadelerMikkel GleerupCosco