Cadeler Completes Turbine Installation Campaign at RWE’s 1.4 GW Sofia Offshore Wind Farm
Cadeler has reached a significant milestone in the offshore wind sector with the successful completion of the installation of all 100 wind turbines at the 1.4-gigawatt Sofia Offshore Wind Farm in the UK North Sea. The achievement marks the end of a major installation campaign for one of the world’s largest single offshore wind developments and represents the first completed offshore wind installation project for Cadeler’s state-of-the-art vessel, Wind Peak.
The installation of the 100th turbine concludes months of offshore construction work and moves the Sofia project closer to full commercial operation. Developed by RWE, the wind farm is located approximately 195 kilometers off the northeast coast of England and is expected to become a major contributor to the United Kingdom’s renewable energy generation capacity.
Cadeler was responsible for the complete transport and installation campaign of the project’s wind turbines, deploying all 100 Siemens Gamesa SG 14-222 offshore wind turbines. These next-generation turbines rank among the largest and most powerful wind turbines currently available for commercial offshore projects, enabling greater energy production while reducing the number of units required to achieve utility-scale capacity.
The successful completion of turbine installation highlights the increasing maturity of offshore wind technology and demonstrates the industry’s ability to execute large-scale renewable energy infrastructure projects in challenging marine environments. As countries around the world accelerate efforts to decarbonize their energy systems, projects such as Sofia are becoming critical components of national energy transition strategies.
Mikkel Gleerup, Chief Executive Officer of Cadeler, emphasized the importance of the achievement for both the project and the company.
“The completion of turbine installation at Sofia marks an important achievement for the project and the first offshore wind installation campaign completed by Wind Peak,” Gleerup said. “We are proud to have supported RWE and Siemens Gamesa in delivering a project that will make a meaningful contribution to the UK’s renewable energy supply.”
The Sofia Offshore Wind Farm is one of the largest renewable energy developments currently under construction in Europe. Once fully operational, the project is expected to generate enough electricity annually to power nearly 1.2 million UK homes, helping reduce dependence on fossil fuels while supporting the country’s net-zero emissions ambitions.
The Cadeler project’s scale reflects the rapid growth of offshore wind as a cornerstone of the UK energy strategy. The United Kingdom remains one of the global leaders in offshore wind deployment, benefiting from strong wind resources, extensive coastline access, and supportive government policies aimed at expanding renewable energy generation. Large projects such as Sofia are essential for strengthening energy security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and meeting increasing electricity demand driven by electrification trends across transportation, heating, and industry.
A particularly notable aspect of the Sofia installation campaign was the performance of Wind Peak, Cadeler’s advanced offshore installation vessel. The project served as the vessel’s first turbine installation assignment following its delivery in August 2024.
Wind Peak is the first of Cadeler’s two P-class vessels, designed specifically to meet the evolving requirements of modern offshore wind projects. As turbine manufacturers continue to develop larger and more powerful machines, installation vessels must evolve accordingly to transport increasingly massive components and conduct installations efficiently in offshore environments.
Purpose-built to support the latest generation of offshore wind turbines, Wind Peak incorporates several advanced capabilities. The vessel features one of the highest crane capacities in the industry, allowing it to safely lift and install heavy turbine components, including towers, nacelles, and blades. Its deck configuration has also been optimized for transporting large volumes of equipment, improving operational efficiency and reducing the number of trips required during installation campaigns.
The vessel’s successful performance during the Sofia project validates Cadeler’s investment in next-generation offshore installation assets and positions the company to support future large-scale offshore wind developments worldwide.
The installation campaign officially began after Wind Peak mobilized from the Port of Hull in March 2025. Hull has become an important hub for offshore wind activities in the United Kingdom, supporting manufacturing, logistics, and operations for numerous renewable energy projects across the North Sea.
Over the course of the campaign, the vessel transported and installed all turbine components while operating in the demanding conditions of the North Sea. Offshore wind construction requires precise coordination between vessel operators, project developers, turbine manufacturers, logistics providers, and marine crews. Weather conditions, sea states, and operational safety considerations all play critical roles in determining installation schedules and project execution.
Despite these challenges, the Sofia installation campaign progressed successfully, culminating in the installation of the final turbine and the completion of one of the most significant phases of the project.
The Siemens Gamesa SG 14-222 turbines installed at Sofia represent a major advancement in wind energy technology. With rotor diameters measuring approximately 222 meters and generating capacities of up to 14 megawatts per unit, these turbines are designed to maximize energy capture while improving project economics. Larger turbines enable developers to achieve higher energy output with fewer installations, reducing maintenance requirements and infrastructure costs over the lifespan of a wind farm.
The completion of turbine installation also underscores the growing collaboration among key players in the offshore wind supply chain. Developers such as RWE, turbine manufacturers including Siemens Gamesa, and specialist installation contractors like Cadeler are working together to deliver increasingly ambitious renewable energy projects capable of meeting future energy needs.
For Cadeler, the successful execution of the Sofia campaign further strengthens its position as one of the leading providers of offshore wind transportation and installation services. The company continues to expand its fleet and capabilities to address rising global demand for offshore renewable energy infrastructure.
As the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm moves toward final commissioning and operational readiness, attention will shift to completing the remaining construction and testing activities necessary for full power generation. Once operational, the project is expected to provide clean, reliable electricity to millions of consumers while contributing significantly to the UK’s climate and energy objectives.
The completion of all 100 turbine installations represents more than a construction milestone; it reflects the continued growth and maturity of the global offshore wind industry. With larger turbines, more capable installation vessels, and increasing investment in renewable energy infrastructure, projects like Sofia are helping shape the future of sustainable power generation and accelerating the transition toward a lower-carbon energy system.
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