Cadeler Acquires New Wind Turbine Installation Vessel
Danish offshore wind installation company Cadeler has announced the acquisition of the Boqiang 3060, a state-of-the-art jack-up wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV), from Shanghai Boqiang Heavy Industry Group. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing Cadeler’s capacity to meet the growing global demand for offshore wind turbine operations and maintenance (O&M) services.
The vessel, which was completed in 2025, will be rebranded as the Wind Keeper. Equipped with top-of-the-line European technology, including a Huisman main crane with a 2,200-ton lifting capacity, Kongsberg’s DP2 dynamic positioning system, MAN engines, and a Siemens propulsion system, the Wind Keeper is designed to tackle the most challenging offshore sites with its 120-meter-long jack-up legs.
Cadeler is scheduled to take delivery of the Wind Keeper in the third quarter of 2025 at a price significantly below the vessel’s estimated replacement cost. The company plans to invest in upgrades to further enhance the vessel’s operational capabilities and align its offerings with the rest of its fleet.
Once the upgrades are complete, the Wind Keeper will be capable of supporting new installations in the 15 MW segment. This acquisition comes at a time when the offshore wind industry is experiencing significant growth, necessitating reliable and flexible O&M support to ensure optimal energy production.
Mikkel Gleerup, CEO of Cadeler, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “The Wind Keeper will be a valuable addition to our fleet, allowing us to provide essential service support to our clients’ offshore assets. With the expanding offshore wind turbine market, there is a greater need than ever for efficient O&M services, and the Wind Keeper is well-equipped to meet this demand.”
Overall, Cadeler’s acquisition of the Wind Keeper signifies the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the offshore wind industry and providing top-notch services to support the continued growth of renewable energy projects worldwide.