Cadeler's New Vessel Cements UK Energy Milestone at Sofia Wind Farm

COPENHAGEN, Denmark – June 12, 2026 – In a significant milestone for the UK’s renewable energy ambitions, installation specialist Cadeler has successfully completed the placement of all 100 turbines at RWE’s colossal 1.4 GW Sofia Offshore Wind Farm. The achievement not only marks a critical step toward bringing one of the world's largest single offshore wind farms online but also serves as a powerful validation of Cadeler's next-generation installation technology, with the project being the triumphant debut for its new flagship vessel, Wind Peak.

The completion of this phase moves the nearly £3 billion project from a complex construction and engineering challenge toward its ultimate goal: commercial operation. For Cadeler, it represents the successful deployment of a key strategic asset, demonstrating its capacity to execute the most demanding projects in a rapidly expanding global market. For the UK, it signifies a major stride toward enhanced energy security and its ambitious net-zero targets.

A New Benchmark in Offshore Construction

At the heart of this achievement is the Wind Peak, the first of Cadeler’s new P-class vessels. Delivered in August 2024, the ship was purpose-built to solve a growing industry challenge: the sheer scale of modern wind turbines. The Sofia project features 100 Siemens Gamesa SG 14-222 turbines, each with a 14 MW capacity and blades stretching 108 meters, reaching a total height of 252 meters from the sea. Installing such massive components, 195 kilometers off the UK's north-east coast, requires a vessel with immense power and precision.

Equipped with one of the largest crane capacities in the industry and a deck optimized to carry components for six complete turbines per trip, Wind Peak demonstrated remarkable efficiency. After mobilizing from the Port of Hull in March 2025, the vessel executed the full transport and installation campaign, proving its design in the demanding North Sea environment. This capability is crucial, as it reduces the number of voyages needed, speeds up project timelines, and mitigates risks associated with weather downtime.

“The completion of turbine installation at Sofia marks an important achievement for the project and the first offshore wind installation campaign completed by Wind Peak,” said Mikkel Gleerup, CEO of Cadeler. “We are proud to have supported RWE and Siemens Gamesa in delivering a project that will make a meaningful contribution to the UK’s renewable energy supply.”

The successful deployment of Wind Peak is more than an operational victory; it’s a commercial proof point. It shows that Cadeler’s significant capital investment in its P-class fleet is ready to generate returns by servicing the next wave of mega-projects, which will feature even larger 15 MW to 20 MW turbines. With the availability of high-capacity vessels emerging as a potential bottleneck for global offshore wind development, Cadeler has positioned itself at the forefront of the market, ready to meet developer demand.

Powering Britain's Green Future

The Sofia Offshore Wind Farm is a cornerstone of the UK’s energy transition strategy. Once fully commissioned in 2026, its 1.4 GW capacity will generate approximately 6 TWh of clean electricity annually—enough to power nearly 1.2 million typical UK homes and meet almost half of the North East region's yearly demand. This massive output will displace over 2.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year compared to fossil fuel generation, making a substantial contribution to the UK’s legally binding Net Zero goals.

Beyond its environmental impact, the project is a powerful engine for economic growth. Representing a total investment of over £6 billion, Sofia is projected to contribute around £760 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy during its construction, with significant benefits flowing to regions like Yorkshire and the Humber and the North East. The project is estimated to create up to 2,000 direct and indirect jobs during its peak construction phase and will support over 80 long-term skilled operational roles based out of RWE’s Grimsby Hub.

This commitment to the local economy is further underscored by the project's goal of achieving over 50% UK supply chain content. In a notable move toward sustainability, half of the turbines installed at Sofia are fitted with Siemens Gamesa’s innovative RecyclableBlades, which were assembled at its facility in Green Port Hull. This pioneering use of recyclable components on a commercial scale signals a growing industry focus on creating a circular economy for wind energy.

Cadeler's Strategic Ascent in a Booming Market

With the successful delivery of the Sofia turbine installation, Cadeler has solidified its position as a market leader in a fiercely competitive and rapidly growing sector. The flawless debut of the Wind Peak sends a clear signal to investors and clients like RWE that the company can reliably execute complex, large-scale contracts. This is a critical differentiator in an industry where project delays can have significant financial repercussions.

The global offshore wind market is projected to more than double by 2030, driven by aggressive government targets and falling costs. The UK alone aims for 50 GW of offshore capacity by the end of the decade. This explosive growth creates immense demand for the specialized vessels operated by Cadeler and its main competitors, such as Jan De Nul and DEME. By investing in a modernized fleet capable of handling the largest components, Cadeler has built a formidable competitive advantage.

From a client perspective, the partnership appears to be a success. RWE, the project's developer, has publicly noted the smooth execution of the installation campaign, a testament to the collaboration between itself, Cadeler, and turbine supplier Siemens Gamesa. Such positive outcomes are vital for securing the pipeline of future projects needed to justify the high capital expenditure on new vessels. For Cadeler, which is publicly listed on both the New York and Oslo Stock Exchanges, demonstrating this return on investment is paramount.

As the Sofia project now moves into its final testing and commissioning phase ahead of full operation, its impact resonates across the industry. It stands as a powerful example of how technological innovation, strategic investment, and international collaboration are turning ambitious green energy targets into tangible reality. This milestone is not just about 100 turbines standing in the North Sea; it's about the successful commercialization of the tools and strategies that will build the future of energy.