Cadeler, a Copenhagen-based leader in offshore wind installation, has acquired a newly built jackup wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) from Shanghai Boqiang Heavy Industry. The 2024-constructed Boqiang 3060, to be renamed Wind Keeper, is equipped with a Huisman main crane offering a 2,200-tonne lifting capacity, a Kongsberg DP2 dynamic positioning system, MAN engines, and a Siemens propulsion system. The vessel features 120-meter-long jackup legs, enhancing its stability for offshore operations.

The company anticipates taking delivery of Wind Keeper in the third quarter of 2025. While the purchase price was not disclosed, Cadeler noted it is significantly lower than the vessel’s estimated replacement cost. To ensure compatibility with its fleet, Cadeler will invest in upgrades to enhance the vessel’s operational capabilities, enabling it to support the installation of 15 MW wind turbines. The acquisition is fully financed through a debt facility provided by DNB Bank on favorable terms.

Mikkel Gleerup, Cadeler’s CEO, emphasized the vessel’s role in meeting industry demands: “With the installed base of offshore wind turbines growing substantially, there is a greater need than ever before for reliable and flexible O&M support to ensure uptime and maximise energy production.” The addition of Wind Keeper strengthens Cadeler’s capacity to deliver efficient operations and maintenance services for offshore wind farms.

This acquisition aligns with Cadeler’s commitment to advancing renewable energy infrastructure, supporting the global expansion of offshore wind energy. By integrating Wind Keeper into its fleet, the company enhances its ability to meet the growing need for sustainable energy solutions, contributing to increased energy production and reliability in the offshore wind sector.