South Korean yard launches lead unit of new installation vessel series for Cadeler

South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean has launched the first unit in a new series of wind turbine installation vessels (WTIVs) ordered by Cadeler. The vessel, which has been named Wind Maker, is scheduled to be delivered to Cadeler in the first quarter of 2025.

The GustoMSC-designed WTIV will initially be deployed at the Greater Changhua Offshore Wind Farm off Changhua County in Taiwan. The vessel will be fitted with a main deck crane with a lifting capacity of 2,600 tonnes and can operate in water depths of up to 65 metres and in significant wave heights of two metres.

The main deck will have a total area of 5,400 square metres. A helicopter deck and accommodations for 130 personnel will also be fitted.

Cadeler said Wind Maker will have DP2 capability, which will allow for fast, safe, and cost-efficient transit and positioning between locations. This will facilitate the efficient installation and maintenance of offshore wind farms.