Cadeler A/S has announced the construction of its third A-class wind farm installation vessel, increasing its fleet to eleven boats. This expansion aims to meet the rising global demand for advanced offshore wind farm installation vessels driven by the growing offshore wind industry and larger wind turbines.
Strategic Partnerships and Design
The new A-class vessel, Wind Apex, will be built by COSCO Heavy Industries in Qidong, China, and will sail under the Danish flag. The vessel’s design allows quick conversion between foundation installation and wind turbine generator installation, offering unique flexibility. Cadeler’s strategic partners include GustoMSC NOV, Kongsberg, Huismann, and MAN Energy, which contribute to the vessel’s cutting-edge design and capabilities.
Market Demand and Contracts
Cadeler’s decision to build a third A-class vessel is backed by strong market demand and existing contracts. The company has already secured long-term agreements, such as with Orsted for its first A-class vessel from 2027 to 2030. These partnerships are a testament to Cadeler’s ability to meet the industry’s need for flexible and advanced installation vessels.
Technical Specifications of the A-class Vessels
The A-class vessels feature a deck space of 5,600m², a payload capacity of over 17,000 tons, and a yet-to-be-disclosed main crane capacity. These vessels can transport and install up to seven 15MW turbine sets or six sets of 2XL monopile foundations per load, significantly reducing the number of transits required for projects. This efficiency makes them stand as assets in the offshore wind industry.
Competitive Pricing and Collaboration
Cadeler has secured a competitive price of approximately USD 400 million for the third A-class vessel. This was achieved through strong collaboration with COSCO Heavy Industries, leveraging synergies from building similar jack-ups and negotiating a LoI in 2022. This strategic partnership ensures cost-effective and timely delivery of state-of-the-art vessels.
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Source: CADELER
