Ørsted secures the services of Cadeler’s wind farm installation newbuild
Ørsted and Cadeler have recently inked a solid, long-term lease deal for a newbuild Wind Farm Installation Vessel. This strategic agreement ensures Ørsted’s access to installation vessel capacity from the first quarter of 2027 until the close of 2030, catering to the requirements of their upcoming construction ventures.
This extensive contract identifies Ørsted as the primary client in Cadeler’s announcement dated October 12, 2022. The deal encompasses the reservation of an A-Class vessel from Cadeler’s fleet. Distinguished by their innovative hybrid design, the A-Class vessels possess the unique capability to transport and install both foundations and turbines (WTGs) with utmost efficiency.
The collaboration between Ørsted and Cadeler is founded on pre-existing synergies and successful endeavours from the Hornsea 3 project, which notably marked Cadeler’s maiden foundation installation project. This strategic partnership sets the stage for further advancements in the renewable energy sector, underscoring a shared commitment to sustainable practices and technological innovation.
Patrick Harnett, Chief Operating Officer at Ørsted, said, “Securing long-term capacity with strategic suppliers is key for Ørsted to build collaboration and together manage risks and execution of our offshore wind construction program towards 2030 and beyond. Our partnership with Cadeler exemplifies how Ørsted as the market leader with a global portfolio of offshore wind projects can provide suppliers with the clarity and scale they need to invest in new technology, organizational capabilities and increase – in this case – the supply of installation vessels which can carry and install current and next generations of foundations and offshore wind turbines.”
Minimising offshore wind farm risks with a flexible fleet
The landscape of offshore wind farm projects is witnessing remarkable growth in both size and intricacy, underscoring the critical importance of effective risk management and robust supply chain strategies.
In a bid to bolster its operational capabilities and minimize potential risks, Ørsted has secured access to one of Cadeler’s cutting-edge A-Class vessels through a comprehensive long-term agreement. These newly constructed A-Class vessels are engineered to accommodate the transportation of up to six XXL monopile foundations in a single round trip. Moreover, their versatile design allows for seamless conversion from foundation installation vessels to WTG (wind turbine generator) installation vessels.
In a bid to optimize efficiency, the A-Class vessels mirror the capabilities of the P-Class newbuilds by facilitating the transportation and installation of either seven complete 15-megawatt turbine sets per voyage or five turbines exceeding 20 megawatts. This streamlined approach significantly reduces the number of trips required for each project, thereby expediting the installation process and enhancing overall project timelines.
“By embracing such innovative solutions, stakeholders are better equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of offshore wind energy projects with heightened resilience and operational efficiency,” according to Cadeler.
