Huisman wins leg encircling cranes for Cadeler's two T-class installation vessels

Dutch crane maker Huisman has won a contract from COSCO Shipping (Qidong) Offshore to supply the main and auxiliary cranes for the two T-class offshore wind installation vessels the Chinese yard is building for Cadeler.

The package comprises two leg encircling cranes and two auxiliary cranes. The main cranes have an improved load curve, designed to raise lifting capacity and operational flexibility as offshore wind projects become more complex. The auxiliary cranes will handle a range of lifting and handling tasks on board. All four will be built at Huisman's production facility in Zhangzhou, China, and installed at COSCO's yard in Qidong, Jiangsu province.

"We greatly value the continued trust Cadeler places in Huisman's crane delivery capabilities and are pleased to support their ambitious growth journey," said Huisman chief executive David Roodenburg. "These next-generation cranes are designed to safely and reliably lift and install the largest monopiles, supporting predictable and efficient offshore wind installation operations."

Cadeler signed firm contracts for the two ships with COSCO in Qidong on 10 August 2026, at a combined price of about €805m, with deliveries scheduled for 2030 and 2031. The Danish company describes the T-class as the largest and most capable vessels yet introduced to the installation market, able to install larger foundations and turbines than current units. It said at the time that it was already discussing deployment of the class with key clients.

"Our investment in the T-class reflects our commitment to staying ahead of future customer requirements, delivering best-in-class technical solutions," chief executive Mikkel Gleerup said when the order was placed.

The contract extends an established relationship between Cadeler and COSCO, which has built several of its earlier vessels. Cadeler operates the industry's largest fleet of jack-up wind installation vessels and is expanding into foundation transport and installation and into maintenance work. Huisman, based in the Netherlands, designs and builds heavy lifting and handling equipment for renewable energy, oil and gas, ports, infrastructure, defence and other markets.

This story is part of the Maritime Briefing of 27 September 2026.