Maersk sets up new offshore wind company

Maersk Offshore Wind will provide the sector with a new system to save installation time and cut costs. The first of a new generation of wind installation vessels is due for delivery next year and is expected to reduce installation time by about 30%.

The move is necessary, Maersk said, because offshore wind deployment needs to speed up to meet ambitious targets in the EU and the US. The two regions have a total installed capacity target of 90 GW by 2030 and more than 400 GW by 2050.

Chairman of the new company and chief financial officer of A.P. Møller Holding, Martin Larsen, explained: “We need new solutions to meet the ambitious goals for offshore wind capacity in Europe and the US. Maersk Offshore Wind’s concept can reduce the installation time of offshore wind turbines by almost one-third, delivering energy to the grid faster and lowering total installation costs, increasing the competitiveness of our customers when they bid for new projects. We are establishing Maersk Offshore Wind as an independent entity to leverage our decades of offshore expertise and accelerate the development of the offshore wind industry.”

Michael Reimer Mortensen, CEO of Maersk Offshore Wind, has more than 20 years of experience at Maersk Supply Service. He commented: “With our highly skilled and experienced team leveraging decades of expertise in operating large assets and executing complex offshore projects, Maersk Offshore Wind will focus on providing offshore wind installation services worldwide to improve both the installation process and address critical port infrastructure needs. We look forward to continuing our partnerships with leading developers and industry stakeholders to further accelerate the deployment of offshore wind, thereby enabling sustainable and affordable energy for communities worldwide.”