HEA Energy buys 2 jack up vessels as Semco secures long term capacity

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HEA Energy has acquired the jack up vessels Thor and Wind Lift 1 from Semco Maritime, while committing the vessels to a long term charter arrangement that preserves Semco Maritime’s access to installation capacity in the European offshore wind market.

The transaction establishes a wider partnership focused on major component exchange and major component overhauling services. These activities include replacing, repairing and refurbishing large wind turbine components during the operational life of offshore wind farms.

Under the arrangement, HEA Energy will own and operate the vessels through its maritime platform. Semco Maritime will continue using the two units to support customers requiring offshore access, lifting capacity and technical services for major turbine work.

The acquisition transfers ownership of Thor and Wind Lift 1 to HEA Energy without removing the vessels from Semco Maritime’s service offering. The accompanying charter agreement is intended to give Semco Maritime continued access to the units over the long term.

This structure separates vessel ownership and operation from the technical delivery of component exchange and overhaul projects. HEA Energy brings more than 40 years of maritime experience and access to a scalable marine operating platform, while Semco Maritime contributes offshore wind engineering, project execution and customer relationships.

For offshore wind developers, access to a suitable jack up vessel can determine when major turbine repairs are completed. A replacement component may be ready onshore, but how useful is it if the vessel required to install it is unavailable? The partnership addresses that link between technical readiness and marine capacity.

Thomas Thomsen, Senior Vice President, Renewables at Semco Maritime, said the combination would increase flexibility for customers and support offshore wind activity across Europe.

“The long term partnership with HEA Energy will create lasting value by combining Semco Maritime’s broad expertise in major component exchanges and overhauling with HEA Energy’s vessel and maritime capabilities,” Thomsen said.

He added that the companies were establishing a foundation intended to support customers as the European offshore wind market continues to develop.

The vessel partnership will be supported by Semco Maritime’s component overhauling facility in Emden, Germany. The site has a 450 tonne gantry crane and direct access to the North Sea, positioning it to receive, handle and dispatch large turbine components.

The facility provides a shore base for the refurbishment and overhaul of equipment removed from offshore wind turbines. It also supports the logistics required to move components between wind farms, vessels, workshops and storage areas.

Combining the Emden site with dedicated vessel availability creates an operating chain covering both offshore exchange work and onshore component handling. Thor and Wind Lift 1 can support the marine phase, while the facility provides the lifting equipment and workshop infrastructure needed for inspection and refurbishment.

The arrangement is aimed at both existing wind farms and future offshore projects. As Europe’s installed offshore wind fleet expands and turbines remain in service for longer periods, operators will require continuing access to vessels and facilities capable of handling increasingly large components.

Jonas Munch Agerskov, Chief Executive Officer Europe at HEA Energy, said the acquisition and charter agreements marked the beginning of a long term relationship between the companies.

“By combining Semco Maritime’s technical capabilities, customer relationships and strategic infrastructure in Emden with HEA Energy’s maritime platform, we are creating a compelling foundation for future growth and expanding our growing presence in the European offshore wind sector,” Agerskov said.

The companies expect the partnership to pursue opportunities arising from a pipeline of projects involving leading offshore wind developers. Semco Maritime identified Ørsted, RWE and Equinor among the developers connected with potential work.

The acquisition gives HEA Energy an immediate position in the jack up vessel segment through two operating assets. At the same time, the charter structure allows Semco Maritime to retain the vessel availability needed to provide major component services without continuing as the vessels’ owner.

Thor and Wind Lift 1 will form the marine element of a service platform that connects vessel operations, offshore technical work and component overhauling in Emden.