Environment

At Cadeler, we recognise that our role in offshore wind carries responsibility not only to enable the energy transition but also to minimise the environmental impact of our own operations. Guided by our ISO 14001:2015 certified environmental management system, we are committed to continuous improvement across climate, pollution prevention, and resource efficiency.

As a key supplier to the offshore wind industry, Cadeler is deeply committed to supporting global climate goals. Our strategy prioritises decarbonisation of our fleet and operations, while enabling partners to deliver renewable energy projects.

Our commitments and actions:

• Targeting significant reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across operations

• Integration into the EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) from 2027 and preparation for the UK ETS.
  

• Designing all newbuild vessels with energy efficiency and alternative fuel readiness in mind.

• Expanding use of shore power connections, hybrid systems, and battery technology.
  

• Establishing clear policies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

By 2030, we aim to operate vessels with markedly lower carbon intensity, laying the foundation for a climate-neutral fleet.

Protecting the marine environment is a central priority for Cadeler. Our operations follow the International Maritime Organization’s MARPOL convention and strict internal policies.

Key initiatives:

• Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plans (SMPEP) and Oil Pollution Emergency Plans (SOPEP) on all vessels.

• Regular drills and training to ensure spill preparedness.

• 100% compliance with ballast water treatment requirements, preventing invasive species.

• Transition to environmentally friendly jacking grease and testing of lower-toxicity hull paints.

• Monthly monitoring and senior leadership review of pollution incidents.

Targets:

• Zero spills to the environment.

• Avoidance of objects lost at sea through strict reporting protocols.

2024 outcomes:

• Three minor hydraulic oil spills recorded (<1 litre combined).

• Increased air pollutants due to fleet growth, but compliance maintained with NOx/SOx emission caps.

We aim to minimise resource consumption and waste across our fleet, offices, and supply chain, embedding circular principles into vessel design and operations.

Policies and actions:

• Updated vessel waste management plan prioritising reduction, reuse, and recycling over disposal.

• Safe drinking water systems installed on 3 of 5 operating vessels, cutting single-use plastic bottles.

• First full measurement of company-wide waste footprint in 2024.

• Exploration of second-life uses and responsible recycling for vessel components and project equipment.

Targets:

• 50% reduction in operational waste by 2030 (baseline: 324.6 tonnes disposed in 2024).

• Improved recycling and reuse rates year-on-year.

• Development of formal resource inflow targets by 2025.

2024 performance:

• Total waste: 383 tonnes.

• 15.3% diverted from disposal, 84.7% directed to disposal.

• Hazardous waste conservatively categorised pending better reporting granularity.