Naming ceremony held for Wind Ace foundation installation vessel

Wind Ace is Cadeler’s second A-class vessel. It is designed to handle the next generation of foundations for offshore windfarms.

Cadeler said the A-class will cater for some of the largest foundations in the offshore wind industry.

With a deck space of 5,600 m², a payload of more than 17,600 tonnes and a main crane with a capacity of 3,300 tonnes at 39 m outreach, the vessels will be able to transport and install six sets of XXL monopile foundations per load, cutting down the number of transits needed for each project and improving operational efficiency.

The company took delivery of its first A-class vessel in September 2025. The vessel, Wind Ally, was delivered on budget and ahead of schedule, after which it headed directly into operation, installing foundations at Ørsted’s Hornsea 3 offshore windfarm in the North Sea.

The hybrid design of the A-class vessels allows swift conversion between foundation installation and wind turbine generator installation. The remaining vessel of the type, Wind Apex, is due to be delivered in 2027.