Cadeler has announced the delivery of its first A-class wind installation vessel, Wind Ally, expanding its fleet to nine vessels in operation. Following mobilisation, the vessel will begin work installing monopile foundations at Ørsted’s Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm in the North Sea. For the first time, Cadeler will carry out the full transport and installation scope for offshore monopile foundations.
The vessel was built over two years at the Cosco shipyard in Qidong, China, with the design developed in cooperation with partners including COSCO, GustoMSC, NOV, Kongsberg, Huisman and MAN Energy. Wind Ally was officially named at a ceremony on 24 September.
With 5,600 m² of deck space, a payload of more than 18,000 tons and a crane capable of lifting above 3,300 tonnes at 39 metres, Wind Ally can transport and install up to six XXL monopile foundations per trip. The vessel can accommodate up to 130 crew and installation technicians. Its hybrid design allows conversion between foundation and wind turbine generator installation.
Wind Ally is the first of three A-class newbuilds ordered by Cadeler. Sister vessel Wind Ace is due in the second half of 2026, followed by Wind Apex in 2027, bringing the fleet to 12 vessels by mid-2027.
