The growth of offshore energy infrastructure in Europe continues to generate new opportunities for manufacturers specializing in marine solutions. In this context, PALFINGER strengthened its presence in the offshore wind energy market after securing a new contract to supply jib cranes for HVDC platforms in the North Sea.
The agreement was signed with Dragados Offshore, a Spanish company specializing in the engineering and construction of offshore energy infrastructure. As part of the project, PALFINGER will supply seven PF200-7m cranes, which will be installed on five high-voltage direct current converter platforms.
These facilities are part of electrical grid connection programs promoted by the German operators Amprion and TenneT Germany. The aim is to strengthen the transmission of energy from offshore wind farms to the European mainland electricity grid.
Offshore infrastructure to strengthen the European energy grid
HVDC platforms play a crucial role in the North Sea energy expansion. Their function is to receive and transmit large volumes of electricity generated by offshore wind farms to onshore grids.
Two of Amprion’s marine substations will each incorporate two PF200-7m cranes, and three platforms linked to TenneT will each have one unit per installation.
Once operational, these infrastructures will increase electricity transmission capacity and support European objectives related to the energy transition and energy independence.
Cranes designed for offshore operations
The PF200-7m crane was developed specifically for demanding offshore conditions; this model combines a lightweight structure with high lifting capacity and minimal maintenance requirements.
Furthermore, it incorporates a plug-and-play system that facilitates its integration into marine platforms, and its design includes advanced corrosion protection to ensure safe and prolonged operations in marine environments.
Production of the equipment will begin during the first half of 2026, deliveries will extend until the first quarter of 2028, while offshore commissioning will continue progressively until the end of 2031.
PALFINGER strengthens strategic alliances in the offshore sector
This project represents the first collaboration between PALFINGER and Dragados Offshore, as well as the first joint contract with Amprion.
For TenneT, the transaction marks its third major offshore substation program developed in partnership with PALFINGER. The company had previously participated in projects with Seatrium and Larsen & Toubro.
With this award, PALFINGER will have supplied davit cranes for twelve of the fifteen marine substations currently planned by TenneT in German and Dutch waters.
Iavor Markov, global director of key accounts and the offshore wind energy segment at PALFINGER, noted that the growth in demand confirms the strategic relevance of long-term alliances within the European offshore market.
During 2025, the company secured 42 orders for jib cranes destined for marine substations. This figure reflects the sustained growth of investment in offshore wind infrastructure and the increase in large-scale offshore energy projects.
Source and photo: Palfinger.com