Cadeler has launched its A-class wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) newbuild Wind Ace at the COSCO Qidong yard in China. The company expects the vessel to be delivered in the second half of 2026, when it will become the 11th WTIV in its fleet.

With the hull now launched, work continues with the installation of the remaining leg sections and the main crane, alongside the start of commissioning activities.

In a social media update, Cadeler said the hull was erected and completed inside the dry dock in four months, citing cooperation between its local site team, COSCO Qidong, DNV, and more than 1,000 yard workers. The company also reported that the project has exceeded 2.9 million safe working hours.

The launch follows earlier 2025 fleet additions, including delivery of Wind Ally, Cadeler’s first A-class WTIV. Wind Ally is designed to transport up to six sets of XXL monopile foundations per round trip. Wind Ally is the first of three A-class newbuilds ordered by Cadeler, with sister vessels Wind Ace and Wind Apex scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2026 and in 2027, respectively.

For the A-class vessels, Cadeler listed a deck area of 5,600 m2 and a payload exceeding 18,000 t. The main crane is described as capable of lifting above 3,300 t at 39 m. The vessels can transport and install up to six sets of XXL monopile foundations per load, accommodate up to 130 crew and installation technicians, and use a hybrid setup that allows switching between foundation installation and wind turbine generator installation.

Separately, Cadeler said Hanwha Ocean delivered the WTIV Wind Mover earlier in December 2025, completing the second vessel in its M-class series around one month ahead of schedule. Wind Mover became the 10th WTIV in Cadeler’s fleet and the fifth newbuild the company has received in 2025, doubling its installation fleet from five to ten vessels.