Boskalis to Cable Germany’s Largest Baltic Sea Offshore Wind Farm

PAPENDRECHT, NETHERLANDS – February 26, 2026

By Brenda Thompson

Maritime services giant Royal Boskalis, in a strategic consortium with cable manufacturer TKF Subsea Solutions, has secured a major contract to supply and install the vital artery system for Germany's forthcoming Gennaker Offshore Wind Farm. The agreement, valued between €50 million and €150 million, underscores the critical role of specialized infrastructure firms in Europe's accelerating energy transition.

The contract, awarded by developer Skyborn Renewables, tasks the consortium with connecting 63 massive wind turbines across the German Baltic Sea. This complex undertaking will involve laying approximately 140 kilometers of 66 kilovolt (kV) inter-array cables, forming the subsea electrical grid that will collect the generated power. The project is a cornerstone of Germany's plan to decarbonize its power sector and enhance its energy security.

Powering Germany's Green Ambitions

Set to become the largest offshore wind farm in the German Baltic Sea, the Gennaker project is a monumental step in the nation's climate strategy. Located about 15 kilometers north of the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula, the wind farm boasts a planned capacity of 976.5 megawatts (MW). Upon its planned commissioning in 2028, it is expected to generate enough clean electricity to power approximately one million German households annually.

This project is a key component of Germany's aggressive push to expand its renewable energy portfolio, with a national target of achieving 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2030. The Gennaker wind farm's output will significantly contribute to this goal, displacing fossil fuels and solidifying the role of offshore wind as a reliable pillar of the country's future energy mix.

The project is being developed by Skyborn Renewables, a global offshore wind powerhouse backed by infrastructure investors Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and, by extension, BlackRock. Skyborn, which has been developing the Gennaker site since 2011, achieved a major milestone in December 2025 by securing the final construction and operations permit, paving the way for offshore construction to begin in 2027.

A Consortium of Maritime and Manufacturing Expertise

The contract highlights a powerful synergy between two Dutch industry leaders. TKF Subsea Solutions will leverage its advanced manufacturing capabilities to produce the high-voltage cables at its state-of-the-art facility in Eemshaven, the Netherlands. This new factory, which opened in 2024, was purpose-built to meet the surging demand for subsea cables and features sustainable, gas-free production processes. TKF is known for its innovative "dry design" cable technology, which enhances durability and simplifies installation in harsh marine environments.

Once manufactured, the cables will be handed over to Boskalis for the complex installation phase. Boskalis will deploy its specialized cable-laying vessel, the BOKA Ocean, to meticulously lay and bury the cables on the seabed, connecting the turbine foundations. Installation is scheduled to commence at the end of 2027.

This project further cements Boskalis’ integral role at the Gennaker site. The company is already active in the area through its subsidiary, Heinrich Hirdes EOD Services GmbH, which is conducting a crucial campaign to identify and clear unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the seabed—a common and critical preparatory step for construction in the historically contested waters of the Baltic and North Seas.

Strategic Positioning in a Booming Market

For Boskalis, this 'sizable' contract is a significant win that aligns perfectly with its corporate strategy. The company has explicitly aimed to capitalize on key macroeconomic drivers, including the global shift toward renewable energy to combat climate change. By securing a central role in a flagship project like Gennaker, Boskalis reinforces its position as a premier contractor in the competitive offshore wind market.

The project demonstrates the value of an integrated service offering, from initial site-clearing for hazards to the highly technical installation of core electrical infrastructure. This ability to provide a wide spectrum of services makes the company an attractive partner for developers managing large-scale, multi-faceted construction timelines.

The Gennaker project itself is a massive collaborative effort involving a host of international specialists. While the Boskalis-TKF consortium handles the inter-array cabling, other key contractors include Siemens Gamesa for the 15 MW-class turbines, Seaway7 for foundation installation, and Fred Olsen Windcarrier for turbine transport. This network of contractors illustrates the intricate supply chain required to bring a nearly 1 GW offshore power plant to life.

Despite the positive momentum, the project also reflects the broader challenges facing the offshore wind industry. Developers like Skyborn are navigating a difficult market characterized by rising interest rates, equipment cost inflation, and grid connection delays. In response to these pressures, Skyborn is reportedly exploring the sale of a stake in the Gennaker project to de-risk its investment and bring in new partners. This strategic maneuver is becoming increasingly common as developers seek to manage the immense capital requirements of modern offshore wind farms, ensuring these vital clean energy projects can successfully advance toward completion.