Cadeler Expands Fleet with Acquisition of Chinese Wind Turbine Installation Vessel
Citing increasing global demand for offshore wind turbine services, Denmark’s Cadeler has announced its acquisition of a newly-built Chinese wind turbine installation vessel. This strategic move comes in light of the company’s strong orderbook and growing market opportunities.
With revenues for the first quarter more than tripling to €65 million ($73 million) and a contract backlog nearing €2.5 billion ($2.8 billion), Cadeler’s CEO, Mikkel Gleerup, expressed satisfaction with the company’s investment in fleet expansion and project execution, which he stated are yielding tangible results.
The vessel, named Wind Keeper (formerly Boqiang 3060), was built for Shanghai Boqiang Heavy Industry Group by CIMC Raffles. Equipped with a 2,200-ton Huisman main crane, Kongsberg’s DP2 dynamic positioning system, MAN engines, and a Siemens propulsion system, the vessel boasts advanced capabilities to support offshore wind turbine installations.
Noteworthy for its ability to move and install towers as a single unit, the Wind Keeper was regarded as a milestone in China’s offshore industry. Its acquisition by Cadeler underscores the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the offshore wind sector.
In addition to the Wind Keeper, Cadeler recently welcomed the Wind Pace and Wind Peak to its fleet. These vessels, along with Wind Maker and the upcoming Wind Mover, are designed to handle the installation of heavy foundations and wind turbine components in challenging offshore environments.
Despite recent market challenges, Cadeler remains optimistic about the opportunities in the offshore wind industry. The company’s focus on expanding its fleet and enhancing operational capabilities positions it well to meet the growing demand for offshore wind turbine services worldwide.
As Cadeler continues to strengthen its presence in the offshore wind market, the acquisition of the Wind Keeper signals a bold step towards achieving its long-term strategic goals and solidifying its position as a key player in the renewable energy sector.