NOV has been awarded contracts for the equipment and design of Cadeler’s first F-class jack-up vessel.
The new 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 first two X-class units, this will be Cadeler’s third GustoMSC-designed jack-up vessel under construction at COSCO Heavy Industries.
The Cadeler F-class is designed on similar specifications as the X-class. These self-propelled jack-up vessels are the largest in the industry, with 5,600 square metres of deck space and a carrying capacity of more than 17,600 tons, NOV said.
Featuring a larger main crane capacity than the X-class, the F-class vessel’s unique design is said to allow it to quickly convert from a foundation to a wind turbine installation unit.
This new hybrid jack-up vessel is designed to transport and install up to six XL monopiles per round-trip, substantially improving operational efficiency and reducing the installation’s total carbon footprint.
The F-class vessel will have an NOV variable speed drive rack and pinion jacking system. The integrated system is said to offer high performance, reliability, and safety for thousands of jacking moves throughout the vessel’s lifespan. The jacking system will include a regenerative power solution where the generated power is fed back into the vessel system, providing fuel savings and emission reductions.
”Our solutions allow Cadeler to target their stakeholders with increasingly large and complex projects. This includes actively seeking ways to further reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. Energy efficiency and sustainability are essential considerations in all GustoMSC design and equipment solution processes. We are well-positioned to remain Cadeler’s strategic partner and support their strong commitment to the offshore wind market,” Nils van Nood , Managing Director for GustoMSC and Vice President for Business Development, said.
The new F-class vessel is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2025. Cadeler is currently in discussions for an XL monopile foundation installation contract in the North Sea, NOV said. Installation is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2026.