Kongsberg Maritime has been awarded a contract by COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry to supply a comprehensive technology package, including the propulsion system, for Cadeler's latest wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV), currently under construction. The contract is valued at approximately MNOK350.
This new vessel, designed by GUSTO NG-20000X, marks the fifth offshore installation vessel that COSCO's Qidong yard in China is building for Cadeler. Each of these vessels has been equipped with systems from the Norwegian company. The new A-class WTIV, which will be one of the largest in the global offshore wind market, features a deck space of 5,600 square meters and a payload capacity exceeding 17,600 tons.
Kongsberg Maritime's technology package for this vessel includes a complete electrical, automation, and propulsion system. The propulsion system is composed of nine thrusters, all with fixed-pitch propellers, including four UUC355FP main propulsion thrusters, two ULE355FP retractable azimuth thrusters, and two TT3300DPNFP tunnel thrusters. The vessel's energy efficiency will be optimized through tailored energy control functions, and a battery-hybrid electrical system will reduce the number of engines required during crane operations and maneuvering.
Cadeler's fleet expansion, which includes this new vessel, reflects the increasing demand for larger turbines and advanced vessels necessary for efficient offshore wind farm installations. “Our vessels are engineered to address both the present and future demands of the offshore industry,” said Cadeler CEO Mikkel Gleerup. “With the growing need for efficient offshore wind farms to support global sustainability goals, there is a demand for larger turbines and more advanced vessels to install them. Kongsberg's cutting-edge technology plays a crucial role in making this possible.”
Halvor Økland, Tender Engineering Director for Integrated Solutions at Kongsberg Maritime, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration. “We are delighted to have once again secured a significant contract from COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry to supply an extensive range of technology for Cadeler's latest jack-up vessel,” he said. “The company has exciting plans for the future of offshore wind installation and their continued investment in a fleet of state-of-the-art installation vessels, is setting the standard for offshore wind operations.”
