Danish Offshore Wind Installation Firm Cadeler Expands Fleet with New Vessel Wind Pace

Danish offshore wind installation firm Cadeler has recently added to its fleet with the delivery of its latest jack-up wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV), Wind Pace. The arrival of Wind Pace marks a significant milestone in Cadeler’s ongoing fleet expansion efforts.

Wind Pace is the seventh vessel in Cadeler’s growing portfolio of wind turbine installation vessels and was officially named at a ceremony on March 12, 2025, at the COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (COSCO) shipyard in Qidong, China, where it was constructed. The vessel was delivered safely, on time, and within budget, showcasing Cadeler’s commitment to excellence in project execution.

Following its delivery, Wind Pace will be deployed in the U.S. under a contract from the second quarter of 2025 to the first quarter of 2026. The vessel will support a project at an offshore wind farm in the region, marking Cadeler’s second project in American waters.

Supporting Offshore Wind Farm Projects

Wind Pace’s sister vessel, Wind Peak, the first of Cadeler’s two newbuild P-class vessels, was delivered in August 2024 and has already begun its first installation project at the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm off the Yorkshire coast of the United Kingdom. This wind farm is one of the largest single offshore wind farms in the world, highlighting Cadeler’s involvement in significant renewable energy projects.

Setting New Standards in Offshore Wind Installation Technology

Wind Pace is designed to handle the increasing size, scope, and complexity of next-generation wind farm projects, as well as the most challenging offshore conditions. The P-class vessels, including Wind Pace and Wind Peak, are equipped to transport and install up to seven complete 15 MW turbine sets per load or five 20+ MW turbines, reducing installation time and improving energy and cost efficiency.

The vessels feature an advanced hybrid power system and cyber-secure operational infrastructure to ensure high efficiency and enhanced safety. Mikkel Gleerup, CEO of Cadeler, emphasized the vessels’ role in unlocking new levels of efficiency for customers and supporting the expansion of offshore wind.

Wind Pace and Wind Peak, as the largest vessels in the Cadeler fleet, offer a deck space of 5,600 m2, a payload capacity of over 17,600 tonnes, and a main crane capable of lifting 2,600 tonnes at 47 meters. Each vessel can accommodate up to 130 crew members and installation technicians, further enhancing their operational capabilities.

The development of the P-class vessels was a collaborative effort between Cadeler and key partners, including COSCO, GustoMSC, NOV, Kongsberg, Huisman, and MAN Energy, showcasing the industry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in offshore wind installation.