Cadeler orders another jack-up wind installation vessel

The vessel’s unique hybrid design allows it to convert from being a foundation installation unit to a wind turbine generator installation vessel within a short period of time. It will have a deck space of 5,600m2, a payload of more than 17,600 tons and a main crane capacity to be disclosed at a later date. The vessel will be able to transport and install seven complete 15MW turbine sets per load or six sets of 2XL monopile foundations, cutting down the number of transits needed for each project.

Cadeler is currently building two X-class, without the conversion capability, as well as an F-class vessel, which are set to be delivered from H2/2024 onwards. The new F-class vessel is expected to be delivered in the second half of 2026. All vessels will be built by COSCO Heavy Industries in Qidong, China, and will sail under Danish flag.

Cadeler has been able to achieve a very competitive price due to a strong collaboration that the company has built with COSCO Heavy Industries, synergies from building several similar designed jack-ups and negotiating the option for a second F-class seven months ago. It has been agreed between the parties not to disclose the final price of the contract due to these special circumstances.

The X- and F-class vessels are built in close cooperation with Cadeler’s strategic partners, which include GustoMSC NOV, Kongsberg, Huisman and MAN Energy.

The first F-class vessel, expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2025, has utilisation through to 2030 booked already. It’s first task will be the installation of turbine foundations at the Hornsea Three offshore wind farm commencing in 2026.

Cadeler’s CEO, Mikkel Gleerup, says: “The decision to build another F-class vessel is based on the strong market demand for assets specialising in installing foundations. Our yet-to-be-build F-class vessels have already been sought after by our customers. As announced in August, we have signed a firm contract with Ørsted and have also entered a long-term agreement with an undisclosed customer booking the F-class from 2027 to 2030. These commitments are only possible because our clients believe in our abilities to meet their demands with increased flexibility and to offer state-of-the-art vessels that are fit to meet requirements from a fast-growing market.”