VESSEL REVIEW | Wind Maker – Cadeler places new large-capacity jackup into service
Offshore installation specialist Cadeler has accepted delivery of its latest jackup wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV), Wind Maker, the sixth vessel in the company’s portfolio of wind installation vessels.
Wind Maker is the first of two of a new class of installation vessels, each engineered and equipped to install the next-generation offshore wind turbines currently being deployed worldwide.
Its sister vessel, Wind Mover, is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2025, also from South Korean shipyard Hanwha Ocean (formerly Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering).
Wind Maker has a length of 148 metres (486 feet), a moulded beam of 56 metres (180 feet), a design draught of 6.33 metres (20.8 feet), and a depth of 11.5 metres (37.7 feet).
The WTIV has been designed to operate in water depths of up to 65 metres (210 feet) and significant wave heights of two metres (6.6 feet) whilst the vessel itself will be above sea level installing and maintaining offshore structures thanks to the integration of four pile legs each measuring 109 metres (358 feet) long.
Designed to withstand harsh environments
The self-propelled vessel is equipped with DP2 capability, which will allow for fast, safe and energy-efficient transit and positioning between locations, transforming operations and facilitating the efficient installation and maintenance of offshore wind farms under a broad range of sea conditions.
The propulsion consists of four 3.5MW azimuthing thrusters that deliver a service speed of 9.5 knots, while another two 3.5MW forward thrusters and a 3MW retractable tunnel thruster provide additional lateral maneouvrability.
The vessel is fitted with a Huisman main deck crane with a lifting capacity of 2,600 tonnes and a radius of 31 metres (101 feet) and three smaller auxiliary cranes with lifting capacities of 25 tonnes, 20 tonnes and two tonnes, respectively.
The main deck has a total area of 5,400 square metres (58,000 square feet) to permit the transport of up to five sets of 15MW offshore wind turbines and associated components.
Ample liveaboard spaces
A helicopter deck and accommodation for 130 personnel are also available. The accommodation spaces include 84 cabins with en suite toilets, a mess, recreation rooms, a fitness centre, TV lounges, offices, and conference rooms. The crew also have access to a golf simulator for recreation.
Wind Maker is already contracted for deployment immediately after its delivery. The WTIV will initially be deployed at the Greater Changhua Offshore Wind Farm off Changhua County in Taiwan.
Design work on the Marshall Islands-flagged WTIV was done in compliance with DNV class rules.
