NOV has been awarded contracts for the equipment and design of Cadeler’s second F-class jack-up vessel. The F-class is a bespoke version of the GustoMSC™ NG-20000X model specially designed as a hybrid wind turbine and foundation installation jack-up vessel.
In addition to the two X-class vessels, which are set to be delivered from H2 2024 onward, this will be Cadeler’s fourth GustoMSC-designed jack-up vessel under construction at COSCO Heavy Industries.
The Cadeler F-class vessels are designed with similar specifications to the X-class vessels, which were awarded in 2021. These self-propelled jack-up vessels are the largest in the industry, with 5,600 m2 of deck space and a carrying capacity of more than 17,600 tons.
The unique F-class features a larger main crane capacity when compared to the X-class, which allows it to quickly transition from foundation installation to wind turbine installation operations. The dual-scope jack-up vessel is designed to transport and install up to six 2XL monopile foundations per round-trip, reducing the number of transits needed for each project. The second F-class vessel will also be outfitted with the NOV variable speed drive rack and pinion jacking system, including a regenerative power solution where the generated power is fed back into the vessel system. These features substantially improve operational efficiency and reduce the installation’s total carbon footprint.
Nils van Nood, Managing Director of GustoMSC: “We are very pleased to partner again with Cadeler in their ambition to support the growing offshore wind industry. The first F-class vessel’s recent long-term contract award is a testament to Cadeler and the highly capable vessels they are building for next-generation foundation and wind turbine installation. We are proud to support Cadeler as a strategic partner in growing their state-of-the-art fleet.”
The second F-class vessel is expected to be delivered in the second half of 2026. With the latest award from Cadeler, the NG-20000X design is setting the standard for next-generation foundation and turbine installation.
