Cadeler strengthened its presence in the market of offshore wind energy with the incorporation of Wind Ace its eleventh offshore installation vessel and the second of the new A-class series. The delivery was completed within budget and on schedule, reinforcing the company’s expansion strategy to serve larger-scale projects.
In addition to increasing the company’s operational capacity, the new vessel represents a significant step in responding to the growing demand for vessels capable of installing large foundations and state-of-the-art wind turbines in offshore wind farms.
A design prepared for the new generation of wind farms
He Wind Ace it was built over the past two years at the COSCO Shipping Offshore shipyard, located in Qidong, China. During the construction process, more than 3.5 million hours of work without accidents resulting in sick leave, a result that reflects the performance achieved in industrial safety.
As the second member of the Class A series, the vessel incorporates a hybrid design that allows it to quickly switch between installing XXL monopile foundations and assembling wind turbines. This flexibility responds to the evolution of the offshore sector, where turbines are becoming increasingly larger and projects demand more efficient logistical solutions.
Wind Ace will participate in East Anglia TWO
After completing its mobilization, the Wind Ace will begin preparations to join the development of the offshore wind farm East Anglia TWO, promoted by ScottishPower Renewables, a subsidiary of the Iberdrola Group.
The project, located in the North Sea off the east coast of the United Kingdom, will have an installed capacity of 960 MW, enough to supply renewable electricity to the equivalent of about one million homes.
Cadeler will be responsible for the transport and installation of the 64 foundations and their corresponding wind turbines according to the contracts awarded in 2024, offshore operations are scheduled to begin in 2027, and the Wind Ace will work alongside one of the company’s O-class vessels.
A fleet geared towards the growth of the offshore market
The CEO of Cadeler Mikkel Gleerup noted that the addition of the Wind Ace strengthens the company’s long-term strategy to have one of the most versatile fleets in the sector. He explained that the increasing size of turbines and foundations requires partners capable of executing complex projects with high standards of safety and efficiency.
He also highlighted that the new ship and its twin Wind Ally this will allow the company to expand its capacity to serve the next generation of offshore wind developments in different markets.
With this addition, Cadeler operates a fleet of eleven ships specialized in offshore wind turbine installation, while the delivery of the third A-class vessel, the Wind Apex, is still scheduled for the first half of 2027.
Source and photo: Cadeler
