HEA Energy has acquired the jack-up vessels Thor and Wind Lift 1 from Semco Maritime under a long-term partnership focused on offshore wind major component services in Europe.

The transaction is accompanied by a long-term charter agreement that will keep the vessels available to Semco Maritime. The arrangement will support major component exchange (MCE) and major component overhauling (MCO) activities in the European offshore wind market.

The partnership combines Semco Maritime’s technical capabilities in offshore wind services with HEA Energy’s maritime experience of more than 40 years and its scalable marine operating platform.

Semco Maritime will also contribute its component overhauling facility in Emden, Germany. The facility is equipped with a 450t gantry crane and has direct access to the North Sea. It supports refurbishment, overhaul and logistics for major wind turbine components used in offshore wind projects.

Thomas Thomsen, Senior Vice President, Renewables at Semco Maritime, said the partnership brings together the company’s experience in major component exchanges and overhauling with HEA Energy’s vessel and maritime capabilities. He said the arrangement is intended to provide greater flexibility for customers and support offshore wind activities across Europe.

Jonas Munch Agerskov, Chief Executive Officer Europe at HEA Energy, said the acquisition and charter agreements establish a long-term relationship with Semco Maritime. He also referred to the combination of Semco Maritime’s technical capabilities, customer relationships and Emden infrastructure with HEA Energy’s maritime platform.

The companies also pointed to a growing pipeline of projects involving offshore wind developers including Ørsted, RWE and Equinor.