NOV has been awarded contracts for the equipment and design of Cadeler’s second F-class jack-up vessel for the offshore wind market.
The F-class is a bespoke version of the GustoMSC NG-20000X model specially designed as a hybrid wind turbine and foundation installation jack-up vessel.
In addition to the two X-class vessels, which are set to be delivered from the second half of 2024 onward, this will be Cadeler’s fourth GustoMSC-designed jack-up vessel under construction at COSCO Heavy Industries.
The Cadeler F-class vessels are designed with similar specifications to the X-class vessels, which were awarded in 2021.
These self-propelled jack-up vessels are the largest in the industry, with 5,600 m2 of deck space and a carrying capacity of more than 17,600 tonnes.
The unique F-class features a larger main crane capacity when compared to the X-class, which allows it to quickly transition from foundation installation to wind turbine installation operations.
The dual-scope jack-up vessel is designed to transport and install up to six 2XL monopile foundations per round-trip, reducing the number of transits needed for each project.
The second F-class vessel will also be outfitted with the NOV variable speed drive rack and pinion jacking system, including a regenerative power solution where the generated power is fed back into the vessel system.
These features improve operational efficiency and reduce the installation’s total carbon footprint.
“We are very pleased to partner again with Cadeler in their ambition to support the growing offshore wind industry.
“The first F-class vessel’s recent long-term contract award is a testament to Cadeler and the highly capable vessels they are building for next-generation foundation and wind turbine installation.
“We are proud to support Cadeler as a strategic partner in growing their state-of-the-art fleet,” said Nils van Nood, Managing Director of GustoMSC.
The second F-class vessel is expected to be delivered in the second half of 2026.
In addition Huisman has been awarded another contract award from COSCO Shipping (Qidong) Offshore for the design and construction of a 3000mt leg encircling crane to be installed on the second F-class jack-up vessel of Cadeler.