Kongsberg Maritime Wins Systems Order for Two Cadeler T-Class WTIVs at COSCO Qidong
Kongsberg Maritime will supply electrical, automation and propulsion systems for two Cadeler T-class wind turbine installation vessels being built at COSCO Shipping Offshore in Qidong, with delivery scheduled for 2030 and 2031.
Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract from COSCO Shipping (Qidong) Offshore to supply electrical, automation and propulsion systems for two Cadeler T-class offshore wind turbine installation vessels. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2031.
Kongsberg Maritime’s scope includes azimuth and tunnel thrusters, dynamic positioning technology, power generation and distribution, propulsion drives, integrated automation, vessel-control and energy-management systems. The company did not disclose the contract value.
The shipbuilding contracts for the two vessels were announced in August 2026. Cadeler said the T-class units will be built in Qidong under contracts valued at about €805 million in aggregate. The company positions the class for the installation of larger next-generation offshore wind turbines and foundations.
Integrated systems across the vessel’s operating profile
Jack-up wind installation vessels depend on thrusters and dynamic positioning when transiting, approaching the worksite and holding position before lowering their legs. Their electrical load profile differs materially between transit, DP, jacking and lifting operations, requiring coordinated generation, distribution, propulsion and energy-management systems.
Kongsberg Maritime has supplied similar systems for several Cadeler installation vessels. In 2021, it secured a €49 million technology-package contract for two Cadeler newbuilds. In 2024, it received a systems order worth about NOK350 million for Cadeler’s third A-class installation vessel.
In a 2024 announcement, Kongsberg Maritime said the first five Cadeler offshore wind installation vessels being built in Qidong were equipped with its systems. The T-class order continues the three companies’ collaboration across Cadeler’s serial newbuild programme.
Cadeler expands its foundation-installation capacity
Cadeler is extending its business beyond wind-turbine transport and installation towards full-scope transportation and installation of offshore wind foundations.
In November 2025, Cadeler announced two project contracts with a combined value of about €500 million. Foundation transportation and installation is planned to begin in 2029 using an A-class newbuild, while turbine installation is planned to start in 2030 using an O-class installation vessel.
Cadeler has previously said that the global market for wind-foundation installation vessels could face a supply shortfall from 2029. The two T-class vessels are due for delivery in 2030 and 2031, and the company has said it is in discussions with key customers on their future deployment.
COSCO Shipping Offshore (Qidong) has already built several series of offshore wind installation vessels for Cadeler. With the two T-class units added, the cooperation will continue to cover large jack-up vessel construction, equipment integration, systems commissioning and sea trials.