The latest vessel to join Cadeler’s fleet has landed a €210m contract with Vestas to support current and future offshore wind projects.
Newly-constructed jack-up Wind Keeper (pictured) is the eighth vessel to join Cadeler’s growing fleet.
The three-year contract with Vestas will kick off early in 2026, with options to add a further two-and-a-half years.
The firm value of the contract to Cadeler is approximately €210m but if all options are exercised, the contract is expected to be worth in excess of €380m.
Wind Keeper will act as a service vessel, supporting both operations and maintenance (O&M) as well as transport and installation (T&I) tasks for Vestas’ offshore wind projects.
Wind Keeper departed China on route to Europe earlier in July, where, ahead of the contract starting, she will undergo tailored upgrades to enhance her operational capacity and align her onboard capabilities with the rest of Cadeler’s fleet.
The vessel will be equipped with seafastening for three sets of the Vestas V236-15.0MW turbines and will be upgraded to support installations in the growing 15MW segment.
Cadeler chief executive Mikkel Gleerup said: “This first contract for Wind Keeper is exactly why we made the strategic decision to acquire her.
“We see increasing demand in Europe for flexible, high-performance vessels that can support both O&M and installation scopes, and she fits that profile perfectly.
“After a series of upgrades to enhance her capabilities, Wind Keeper will be ready to support our trusted partners from 2026.
“We’re proud to see our vision come to life and grateful to Vestas for the trust they’ve placed in us.”
Cadeler announced the acquisition of Bo Qiang 3060 last month from Shanghai Boqiang Heavy Industry Group Co and decided to rename the vessel as Wind Keeper.
Constructed in 2024 and equipped with advanced European systems, including a Huisman main crane with a 2200-tonne lifting capacity, Kongsberg’s DP2 dynamic positioning, MAN engines, and Siemens propulsion, Wind Keeper is designed for the demanding global O&M market.
The vessel’s 120-metre jack-up legs will enable operations to be carried out in deep and harsh offshore conditions.
Cadeler said the name Wind Keeper was chosen to reflect the vessel’s role in safeguarding offshore wind production and contributing to the resilience and reliability of the sector.