Cadeler Secures Firm Contract with Synera Renewable Energy for Formosa 4 Offshore Wind Farm in Taiwan
Cadeler, a global leader in offshore wind installation and marine operations, has announced the signing of a firm contract with Synera Renewable Energy (SRE) for a landmark offshore wind project in Taiwan. Under the agreement, Cadeler will be responsible for the transportation and installation (T&I) of 35 Siemens Gamesa offshore wind turbines, each with a capacity of 14 megawatts (MW), at the Formosa 4 Offshore Wind Farm. This contract marks another significant milestone in Cadeler’s strategy to expand its operational footprint in the Asia-Pacific region, while supporting Taiwan’s ambitious transition to renewable energy.
Details of the Contract and Project Scope
The scope of the contract includes the full transportation and installation of 35 turbines, each belonging to Siemens Gamesa’s advanced 14MW class. These are among the most powerful offshore wind turbines currently in commercial use and represent cutting-edge technology in renewable power generation. Cadeler will deploy one of its state-of-the-art M-class wind turbine installation vessels (WTIVs) to carry out the operations. These vessels are specifically designed for efficiency, speed, and reliability, capable of handling the latest generation of turbines that continue to increase in size and capacity.
The offshore installation work is scheduled to begin in March 2028, with operations expected to last for approximately 150 days. This timeline underscores the scale and complexity of the project, which will involve precise logistical planning, vessel deployment, and offshore assembly under challenging marine conditions. The revenue from the project is projected to fall between EUR 70 and 80 million, reflecting the scale of investment required to advance Taiwan’s renewable energy sector.
Connection to Earlier Agreements
This firm contract builds upon a reservation agreement announced by Cadeler in September 2024, which secured opportunities for two offshore wind projects in Taiwan. Today’s announcement solidifies one of those projects with SRE, while discussions continue on the second. This progression highlights Cadeler’s ability to convert strategic agreements into firm commitments, demonstrating both the trust of its partners and the company’s growing relevance in the Asia-Pacific energy transition.
Significance for Taiwan’s Offshore Wind Industry
Taiwan is one of the most dynamic offshore wind markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The government has set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming to achieve 20% of electricity generation from renewables by 2025, with offshore wind playing a critical role. Formosa 4 is one of the projects that will contribute directly to these goals, further diversifying Taiwan’s energy mix and reducing its reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Located 18 to 20 kilometers off the coast of Miaoli County, the Formosa 4 Offshore Wind Farm will span an area of approximately 58 square kilometers. Turbine foundations will be installed in water depths ranging from 57 to 64 meters. Once fully operational, the project is expected to deliver a capacity of 495 MW of renewable energy, enough to power hundreds of thousands of Taiwanese households with clean electricity. This will make a substantial contribution to Taiwan’s carbon reduction commitments and energy security objectives.
Technology and Vessel Deployment
Cadeler’s decision to use its next-generation M-class WTIV underscores the company’s commitment to deploying advanced technology in support of Taiwan’s renewable energy ambitions. These vessels are purpose-built to handle the newest, largest offshore wind turbines, which continue to increase in size as manufacturers push the boundaries of energy generation efficiency. The M-class vessels combine heavy-lift capacity with high operational efficiency, reducing project timelines and improving cost-effectiveness.
In addition to the technical advantages, the use of these vessels demonstrates how global expertise can be successfully adapted to local markets. Cadeler’s vessels are built to operate across continents, and their deployment in Taiwan reflects the company’s strategy of bridging European offshore wind expertise with Asia-Pacific market needs.
Strengthening Presence in the Asia-Pacific Region
The announcement further solidifies Cadeler’s long-term commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, where offshore wind is poised for significant growth in the coming decade. The company already operates two vessels under contract in Asia, supported by its local office in Taipei. This localized presence enables Cadeler to combine global capabilities with regional knowledge, ensuring efficient project execution while fostering stronger relationships with local partners and stakeholders.
Commenting on the milestone, Cadeler’s CEO, Mikkel Gleerup, stated:
“This milestone project further anchors Cadeler’s strategic presence in the Asia-Pacific region. With the support of our team based in Taipei, we are steadily building up our APAC presence and pipeline, with two vessels currently operating contracts in the region. With an M-class vessel, we are bringing best-in-class technology to Taiwan’s shores, building a bridge between continents and the infrastructure for a cleaner tomorrow.”
His remarks emphasize not only the immediate significance of the Formosa 4 project but also the broader role Cadeler envisions for itself as a bridge between established European offshore wind markets and emerging ones in Asia.
Contribution to Global Offshore Wind Expansion
Globally, offshore wind is one of the fastest-growing segments in renewable energy. Nations across Europe, Asia, and North America are scaling up offshore wind farms to meet net-zero targets. The trend toward larger turbines, deeper waters, and more complex installations is driving demand for advanced installation vessels and expertise, areas where Cadeler has established itself as a market leader.
By participating in Taiwan’s offshore wind projects, Cadeler not only helps diversify the country’s energy supply but also positions itself at the forefront of a growing regional market. With many Asia-Pacific countries setting ambitious renewable energy targets, the lessons learned and experience gained from projects like Formosa 4 will be invaluable in shaping future offshore wind developments.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The completion of Formosa 4 will have several positive impacts. Economically, it will create jobs in construction, installation, and ongoing maintenance, while stimulating demand across the local supply chain. Environmentally, the 495 MW of clean energy generated by the wind farm will displace significant amounts of carbon dioxide emissions, supporting both Taiwan’s climate targets and broader global efforts to mitigate climate change.
Moreover, the partnership with Synera Renewable Energy highlights the role of collaboration between international and local players in driving the success of large-scale renewable projects. By combining global offshore wind experience with regional market knowledge, the project is positioned for effective execution and long-term success.
