UPDATED: RWE shakes up vessel contracting with long-term Jan De Nul deal

The charters – which are part of new approach to contracting in the installation market, where demand is outstripping supply, where long-term agreements, reservation agreements and framework agreements are increasingly being used – are supported by an agreement under which Jan De Nul will provide solutions and services to undertake installation campaigns for RWE’s offshore wind projects.

With the offshore wind industry growing very quickly, more installation vessels will be required. As highlighted by OWJ, a number have been ordered, but the high cost of newbuilds has made owners hesitate about ordering more. A more long-term approach to contracting such as that used by RWE and long used in the offshore oil and gas market could give owners the security of employment and confidence they need to order more ships.

RWE Offshore wind chief executive Sven Utermöhlen said, “Through this strategic partnership, RWE has taken a big step in securing the necessary installation vessels and services to deliver large-scale offshore windfarms such as Thor and Hollandse Kust West VII, with further projects to come. These kinds of agreements are exactly what we need against the backdrop of the challenging market situation.”

In a subsequent post on social media, Mr Utermöhlen neatly encapsulated the issue RWE has addressed with the long-term deal when he said: “No vessel, no offshore windfarm.”

The partnership includes the exclusive use of Les Alizés and Voltaire for installation projects and, where necessary, their use on maintenance campaigns.

Les Alizés has been chartered for more than five years, and is a purpose-built vessel designed for transporting, lifting and installing wind turbine foundations. Les Alizés’ first project will be the Danish offshore project Thor. Voltaire, designed primarily for turbine installation, has been chartered for four years.

Jan De Nul chief executive offshore wind Philippe Hutse said, “This multi-year approach creates much-desired planning security for our vessels and will allow safe and efficient installation of a large number of offshore windfarms.”

As highlighted above, long-term agreements are not only being adopted by RWE - Cadeler’s new  foundation/turbine installation vessel is already booked until 2030.

The first job undertaken by the F-class vessel will be the installation of foundations at the Hornsea Three offshore windfarm, commencing in 2026. When the vessel has completed work at Hornsea Three, it will start work under the new agreement.