Ørsted and Cadeler have inked a firm long-term lease agreement for a cutting-edge Wind Farm Installation Vessel. This strategic deal solidifies Ørsted’s access to crucial installation vessel capacity from Q1 2027 until the culmination of 2030, crucially supporting upcoming construction projects in the offshore wind sector.
The agreement, disclosed by Cadeler on October 12, 2022, unveils Ørsted as the client securing a new-built A-Class vessel from Cadeler. These vessels, renowned for their hybrid design, possess the capability to transport and install both foundations and turbines (WTGs), underscoring a crucial advancement in offshore wind installation technology. The collaboration between Ørsted and Cadeler is founded upon previous successful endeavors, notably the Hornsea 3 project, which served as Cadeler’s inaugural foundation installation project.
Patrick Harnett, Ørsted’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the strategic significance of securing long-term capacity with key suppliers, highlighting the imperative of collaboration in managing risks and executing offshore wind construction programs efficiently. Harnett underscored Ørsted’s commitment to providing suppliers like Cadeler with the clarity and scale necessary for investing in cutting-edge technology and organizational capabilities, thereby enhancing the supply of installation vessels equipped to handle current and future offshore wind projects.
Mikkel Gleerup, CEO of Cadeler, expressed pride and satisfaction in strengthening the partnership with Ørsted, emphasizing the company’s commitment to building trust, minimizing project risks, and ensuring fleet flexibility and supply certainty for its partners. Gleerup’s remarks underscored Cadeler’s dedication to investing in state-of-the-art wind turbine installation vessels, equipped to handle the largest and most complex next-generation offshore wind installation projects, vital for facilitating the global energy transition.
In the rapidly expanding landscape of offshore wind farm projects, characterized by increasing scale and complexity, effective risk management and securing robust supply chains have become paramount. The long-term agreement between Ørsted and Cadeler signifies a strategic move towards mitigating risks and enhancing project delivery efficiency in this dynamic sector.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ørsted will gain access to one of Cadeler’s new-build A-Class vessels, designed to transport up to six XXL monopile foundations per round trip. Moreover, these versatile vessels can be swiftly converted from foundation installation to WTG installation mode, significantly enhancing project adaptability and installation speed. With the capability to transport and install seven complete 15-megawatt turbine sets per load or five 20+ megawatt turbines, these vessels promise unparalleled efficiency, reducing the number of trips required for each project.
