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Copenhagen-based offshore wind installation specialist Cadeler has officially taken delivery of its first A-class vessel, Wind Ally. The vessel is the first of three in its class ordered by the company, with Wind Ace scheduled for delivery in late 2026 and Wind Apex expected in 2027.
The A-class design was developed to address the growing size and complexity of offshore wind turbines and foundations. Featuring 5,600 square meters of deck space, a payload capacity of over 18,000 tonnes, and a main crane capable of lifting more than 3,300 tonnes at 39 meters, Wind Ally is able to transport and install up to six XXL monopile foundations per trip. This capability improves efficiency, shortens installation timelines, and enhances overall safety and sustainability. The vessel can house up to 130 crew members and technicians and is equipped with a hybrid design that allows rapid conversion between turbine installation and foundation installation — a flexibility Cadeler says is unmatched in today’s market.
Constructed at COSCO Shipyard in Qidong, China, Wind Ally was completed ahead of schedule, within budget, and with over 3.5 million safe working hours logged during its build. The project involved close collaboration between Cadeler and key partners, including COSCO, GustoMSC, NOV, Kongsberg, Huisman, and Everllence.
Now the ninth vessel in Cadeler’s expanding fleet, Wind Ally will soon begin operations at Ørsted’s Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm in the North Sea. For the first time, Cadeler will manage the entire transport and installation (T&I) scope for offshore monopile foundations, marking a significant milestone in its evolution into a full-service provider.
“With Wind Ally delivered ahead of schedule and ready to deploy on this landmark project, Cadeler is entering a new era,” said CEO Mikkel Gleerup. “We have invested heavily in specialized capabilities, vessel design, and expert teams to handle XXL monopiles. Hornsea 3 will be the first project where we deliver a complete foundations T&I scope, reinforcing our position as a long-term trusted partner to Ørsted.”
Hornsea 3: A Record-Breaking Offshore Project
Once complete, Hornsea 3 will become the largest offshore wind farm in the world, generating 2.9 GW of clean energy — enough to power over three million U.K. households. Cadeler will play a central role, managing the full foundation transport and installation scope and installing half of the project’s wind turbines.
“With three Cadeler vessels contracted to deliver both the foundation and turbine T&I scopes, we are proud to contribute significantly to Ørsted’s ambitious Hornsea 3 project,” added Gleerup. “This builds on a decade-long partnership and represents a natural continuation of the trust and collaboration we share.”
