Cadeler, a key player in offshore wind energy infrastructure, has announced an agreement to acquire the Boqiang 3060, a state-of-the-art jack-up wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV), from Shanghai Boqiang Heavy Industry Group Co., Ltd. This strategic acquisition strengthens Cadeler’s capacity to meet surging global demand for offshore wind turbine operations and maintenance (O&M) services.
The vessel will be renamed Wind Keeper, a name symbolising both the vessel’s position as a rare and valuable find – a true “keeper” – and her focus on ensuring the up-keep of green energy generation through the provision of O&M services to the offshore wind industry.
Completed in 2024 and fitted with advanced European equipment, including a Huisman main crane with a 2,200 t lifting capacity, Kongsberg’s DP2 dynamic positioning system, MAN-supplied engines and a Siemens propulsion system, the vessel is uniquely suited for the global offshore O&M market, with 120-meter-long jack-up legs that will enable her to work on the most challenging offshore sites.
Cadeler expects to take delivery of the Wind Keeper in Q3 2025, for a purchase price significantly below the vessel’s estimated replacement cost. While the vessel comes equipped to a high standard, Cadeler will invest in certain upgrades to improve her operational capacity and align her onboard offering with that of Cadeler’s existing fleet. After the contemplated upgrades, the vessel will be capable of supporting new installations in the 15 MW segment. Cadeler is continuing to assess the cost to Cadeler of such upgrades and will communicate its total investment in the vessel in due course.
The acquisition is fully debt financed on attractive terms, with a facility provided by DNB Bank ASA.
Following a comprehensive review of available offshore assets globally, Cadeler is pleased to have secured this unique asset, which will be capable of delivering an immediate operational impact on a cost-effective basis.
“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,” said Mikkel Gleerup, Cadeler’s Chief Executive Officer.
“As an installation-capable, service-oriented asset, the Wind Keeper will be a valuable addition to our fleet. She strongly complements our existing vessel portfolio, immediately permitting operational synergies and allowing us to provide much-needed service support to our clients’ operating offshore assets.”
“We scrutinised every available asset, and the Wind Keeper was the clear standout as the only vessel with the technical capabilities and quality of construction necessary to be adequately future-proofed. She is on the water already and so will generate value and revenue much sooner than a newbuilding. I want to thank Boqiang Heavy Industry Group and ABC Leasing for the great collaboration, facilitating a smooth transaction process,” Mikkel added.
Cadeler is currently assessing the positive impact of the Wind Keeper’s delivery on its 2025 revenue and EBITDA guidance.
