DEME, the Belgian marine engineering group and global leader in offshore energy solutions, has taken delivery of its new wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV), Norse Wind, from CIMC Raffles Shipyard, a subsidiary of CIMC Group.
Purpose-built to install the next generation of offshore wind turbines, Norse Wind combines advanced technology, sustainable design features, and high-efficiency systems to deliver unrivalled installation capability for large-scale offshore wind projects.
The successful delivery on schedule marks a major milestone for both DEME and CIMC Raffles, highlighting China’s growing leadership in high-end offshore equipment manufacturing and its vital role in supporting the global renewable energy supply chain.
Marking another important milestone in DEME’s continued expansion of its offshore installation fleet, Norse Wind reinforces the company’s strong position in the global offshore energy market. Built by CIMC Raffles and designed by GustoMSC, Norse Wind is equipped to install turbines with rotor diameters of more than 300 meters and XXL monopiles weighing up to 3,000 tons. Its 3,200-ton crane enables operation in water depths of up to 70 meters, setting a new standard in lifting capacity, speed and efficiency.
The Norse Wind project is the first vessel in the NG20000X series, representing the world’s first wind turbine installation vessel designed with a full DC power distribution system. Unlike conventional vessels, this new-generation WTIV consumes significantly more electrical power during jacking and lifting operations. The DC power system overcomes the inefficiencies and high energy consumption of traditional AC systems. By intelligently controlling generator speeds, it reduces fuel consumption, enhances operational efficiency, and improves environmental performance.
The construction of Norse Wind was initiated in 2023 by Havfram, the Norwegian offshore wind contractor acquired by DEME in April this year. The vessel was completed on schedule with an excellent quality and safety record. Norse Wind is already contracted for several major offshore wind projects and has a strong pipeline through 2030, underlining DEME’s leading role in constructing the world’s largest wind farms. The vessel is set to commence operations in the first half of 2026, starting with recently secured offshore wind projects in Europe.
“Norse Wind represents an important step in strengthening DEME’s position as a leading player in offshore wind installation,” said Even Larsen, Business Unit Director Global WTG & O&M at DEME. “This state-of-the-art vessel enables us to deliver even larger and more complex projects, further enhancing our capabilities. We also acknowledge the excellent collaboration and craftsmanship demonstrated by the CIMC Raffles team throughout construction.”
The vessel will soon be sporting the well-known ‘DEME green’ livery. Its sister vessel Norse Energi is scheduled for delivery in early 2026. Together, these vessels will play a key role in delivering some of the largest offshore wind projects in the world in the coming years.
