The turbine installation vessel the Wind Peak, manufactured by Cadeler, has arrived at the Port of Hull, where it has begun the first load-out of turbine components for the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm.
The Wind Peak is one of the most advanced wind turbine installation vessels in the world. Measuring 200 metres in length and 60 metres in width when fully loaded out. It is designed to transport and install six of Sofia’s 14 megawatts (MW) wind turbines per trip and is one of the largest capacities of any vessel in the industry. Equipped with a state-of-the-art main crane capable of lifting up to 2,600 tonnes, the Wind Peak can install turbines of this scale swiftly and safely, setting a new standard for offshore wind projects.
The vessel will collect six complete turbine sets, each consisting of the nacelle, three blades and a tower section, before transporting them 195km offshore to the Sofia site for installation. Once successfully in place, the vessel will return to Hull to collect the next six, continuing the process until all 100 turbines are in place. The increased carrying capacity of the Wind Peak significantly reduces transit time and improves efficiency.
A key feature of the turbines is their cutting-edge recyclable blades, the largest deployment of this innovative technology to date. Manufactured at Siemens Gamesa’s Hull factory, the blades are an example of RWE’s commitment to sustainable solutions and technological innovation.
Unlike conventional blades, they are designed with an advanced resin system that allows for efficient separation of materials at the end of their lifecycle. Other turbine components, such as the tower and nacelle, are already recyclable.
Sven Utermöhlen, RWE CEO Offshore Wind: "Sofia is RWE’s largest offshore construction project globally and remains on track and on budget to generate first power this year. This impressive progress reflects the expertise of our RWE team and the strong support of our supply chain partners, ensuring the successful delivery of flagship projects like Sofia. For the UK particularly, the achievement of these latest milestones demonstrates RWE’s crucial role in deploying offshore wind in support of the UK Government’s Clean Power targets by 2030. Through partnerships with companies like Siemens Gamesa in Hull, RWE is able to support jobs and prosperity within coastal communities and is a tangible example of the value of offshore wind to the UK’s economy.”
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “It is great to see this exciting milestone reached for the Sofia offshore wind farm. Today takes us a step closer to achieving our mission for clean power by 2030, with over a million homes expected to be powered by the cutting-edge turbines of Sofia wind farm. With £6 billion of investment from this project alone, our clean power mission is creating future-proof jobs, making the UK energy secure, and delivering the clean power needed to get bills down for good.”
