Cadeler Strengthens Fleet with New Wind Installation Vessel
Cadeler has reached another milestone in its strategic fleet expansion with the successful delivery of its latest jack-up wind turbine installation vessel, Wind Maker. This state-of-the-art vessel, delivered safely and within budget, becomes the sixth vessel in Cadeler’s growing fleet, reinforcing the company’s position as a global leader in offshore wind installation, operations, and maintenance services.
The official naming ceremony for Wind Maker took place at the Hanwha Ocean Shipyard in Korea on Monday, January 27. The event was attended by Cadeler executives and key stakeholders, who celebrated the collaborative efforts behind the vessel’s successful completion. Wind Maker is the first of two M-class wind installation vessels in Cadeler’s newbuild portfolio, designed specifically to meet the evolving needs of the offshore wind industry. Its sister vessel, Wind Mover, is set to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Engineering the Future of Offshore Wind
Wind Maker has been engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions and operate in some of the most challenging offshore wind installation sites worldwide. The vessel features a high-capacity 2,600-tonne main crane, designed to install some of the heaviest foundations and wind turbine components with precision and efficiency. With this advanced lifting capability, Wind Maker is well-positioned to support the next generation of offshore wind turbines that are rapidly being deployed across global markets.
The vessel’s cutting-edge design allows it to operate in water depths of up to 65 meters, with a self-elevating platform that ensures stability above sea level during installation and maintenance activities. Additionally, Wind Maker is equipped with DP2 (Dynamic Positioning 2) capability, allowing for precise and energy-efficient positioning between sites. This technology enhances operational safety and reduces transit times, ultimately improving overall project efficiency for offshore wind farm developers.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Efficiency
Cadeler’s expansion aligns with the growing global demand for renewable energy and the increasing scale of offshore wind projects. By continuously investing in next-generation vessels like Wind Maker, the company is strengthening its ability to support the energy transition. The vessel’s design prioritizes sustainability, incorporating advanced fuel-efficient engines and optimized hull designs to minimize environmental impact while maximizing operational performance.
Mikkel Gleerup, CEO of Cadeler, highlighted the significance of this new addition to the fleet: “Today marks a significant achievement in our strategic fleet expansion and the culmination of years of planning and innovative engineering. Wind Maker is already contracted for deployment immediately after delivery, with a strong pipeline of wind farm projects ahead. As a trusted partner in the offshore wind industry, our success depends on our ability to adapt and meet the evolving demands of our clients, both today and in the future. Wind Maker embodies this commitment and is a testament to the dedication of the Cadeler team, our shipyard, and our strategic partners.”
Strengthening Cadeler’s Market Position
The delivery of Wind Maker is part of Cadeler’s broader strategy to expand and modernize its fleet to better serve the offshore wind sector. The vessel’s capabilities will allow it to undertake larger and more complex installation projects, helping accelerate the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure worldwide.
With the offshore wind industry experiencing rapid growth, Cadeler has positioned itself as a key player in enabling the transition to clean energy. The company’s expertise, combined with its investment in state-of-the-art vessels, ensures that it remains at the forefront of offshore wind developments.
Wind Maker’s immediate deployment following delivery underscores the strong demand for specialized wind turbine installation vessels. With global offshore wind capacity expected to increase significantly in the coming decades, the need for advanced vessels capable of handling larger and more powerful turbines is greater than ever. By expanding its fleet with cutting-edge vessels like Wind Maker, Cadeler is reinforcing its role in driving the offshore wind industry forward.
Future Growth and Industry Impact
The offshore wind sector is undergoing significant transformation, with technological advancements leading to larger, more efficient turbines that require sophisticated installation solutions. Wind Maker and its sister vessel, Wind Mover, are designed to meet these evolving challenges, ensuring that Cadeler remains at the forefront of industry developments.
The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in its continued investment in high-performance vessels. By leveraging state-of-the-art technology and strategic partnerships, Cadeler is not only expanding its fleet but also contributing to the advancement of offshore wind energy on a global scale.
As the world moves towards greater adoption of renewable energy, companies like Cadeler play a crucial role in enabling the infrastructure needed to support this transition. Wind Maker represents a step forward in offshore wind installation capabilities, offering enhanced efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility.
With Wind Maker now operational and Wind Mover set to join the fleet in 2025, Cadeler is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for offshore wind installation services. As offshore wind farms continue to increase in size and complexity, the company’s next-generation vessels will be instrumental in delivering projects that contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
In conclusion, the successful delivery of Wind Maker marks a new chapter in Cadeler’s journey, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in offshore wind installation. With a robust fleet expansion strategy and a commitment to innovation, Cadeler is poised to support the global transition to renewable energy, ensuring that offshore wind power remains a cornerstone of the world’s clean energy ambitions.
