Boskalis Deploys Windpiper Vessel for Baltic Projects
The converted deep-sea mining ship is now protecting subsea export cables at the Bałtyk II and Bałtyk III offshore wind farms.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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Boskalis began operations with its converted subsea rock installation vessel, the Windpiper, in the Baltic Sea in September 2026. The ship is currently providing essential cable protection services for major offshore wind energy infrastructure.
Why it matters
The vessels significant cargo capacity enables efficient transport for large-scale energy projects located far from shore-based loading facilities. This conversion strategy addresses logistical challenges inherent in expanding offshore wind connectivity.
The Windpiper features a deadweight of 70,165 tonnes and two rock holds with a combined capacity of 45,500 tonnes. Its conveyor system can transport rock at a rate of 1,250 tonnes per hour.
The players
Boskalis
A global leader in dredging, marine infrastructure, and maritime services that executes complex subsea projects for the energy sector.
The details
Originally built as a deep-sea mining ship, the 227-metre vessel underwent a conversion in Indonesia that involved removing internal bulkheads to combine four cargo spaces into two large holds. Komatsu excavators now feed rock onto dual conveyors to facilitate efficient subsea installation.
Timeline
The hull was originally launched as Nautilus New Era in 2018.
Boskalis announced the acquisition of the vessel in January 2025.
The ship was officially christened in Rotterdam on July 3, 2026.
Operations began in the Baltic Sea in September 2026.
Market Landscape
The deployment of the Windpiper directly supports the development of the Bałtyk II and Bałtyk III offshore wind farms. This move signals a broader trend of repurposing heavy maritime assets to meet the surging infrastructure demand of the global offshore energy sector.
The increased efficiency in subsea cable protection provided by high-capacity vessels like the Windpiper helps stabilize the development timelines for major offshore wind projects. This supports the reliability of future renewable energy integration into the broader power grid.
The takeaway
Large-scale vessel conversions allow maritime firms to address specific infrastructure needs for offshore renewable energy more cost-effectively. Industry participants often look to repurpose existing hulls when specialized construction equipment is required for remote offshore environments.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the sector on the Oil and Gas page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Baird Maritime.
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