By Eva Richardson | The Logistic News | March 28, 2025
In a significant reshuffling of its offshore wind portfolio, Fred. Olsen Ocean has announced the sale of its entire 50% stake in United Wind Logistics (UWL) to Germany-based United Heavy Lift for a reported €48.5 million. The deal, confirmed earlier this week, marks a strategic shift for the Norwegian maritime group as it streamlines its investment focus in the rapidly evolving wind energy sector.
The transaction also includes the repayment of shareholder loans, bringing the total gross proceeds to approximately €51.2 million, according to parent company Bonheur ASA. Fred. Olsen Ocean had entered the UWL venture in 2019 with an investment of €12 million, aiming to tap into the growing market for offshore wind component transportation.
Headquartered in Hamburg, UWL operates a fleet of specialized deck carriers that support the logistics of transporting oversized and heavy components—such as turbine blades, towers, and foundations—critical to offshore wind farm development. Since its inception in 2017, UWL has carved out a niche by focusing exclusively on marine logistics tailored to the renewable energy sector.
Refocusing Amid Offshore Wind Evolution
“The divestment reflects our strategic decision to consolidate core activities and reallocate capital to areas where we see stronger synergies and long-term potential,” a Fred. Olsen Ocean spokesperson said in a statement.
While the company did not specify where the freed capital will be redirected, analysts speculate the group could bolster its investments in floating offshore wind technology or in vessel innovations for installation and maintenance activities—segments showing strong global momentum.
The buyer, United Heavy Lift, is no stranger to the maritime heavy-lift market. With a fleet of more than 20 modern multipurpose vessels, the acquisition of UWL further strengthens its footprint in offshore wind logistics and expands its access to purpose-built tonnage in an increasingly competitive sector.
Offshore Wind Logistics: A Consolidating Space
This move also underscores the broader consolidation trend in offshore wind logistics. As the size and complexity of wind turbines continue to increase, project developers and logistics providers are under mounting pressure to scale up capacity and offer integrated solutions.
“Shipping capacity for offshore wind is under strain, and owning specialized vessels is now a competitive advantage,” explains Ingrid Meijer, a maritime analyst at GreenPort Strategies. “By acquiring full control of UWL, United Heavy Lift secures access to a fleet that’s uniquely positioned for the next wave of offshore wind development in Europe and beyond.”
What Comes Next?
With Europe’s offshore wind capacity projected to triple by 2030, vessel availability, transit efficiency, and specialized handling will play pivotal roles in project execution timelines. United Heavy Lift’s acquisition of UWL is widely viewed as a proactive move to lock in capacity ahead of what many expect to be a surge in demand.
Meanwhile, Fred. Olsen Ocean’s divestment signals a return to focus on areas where it holds long-standing operational depth—such as turbine installation, crew transfer vessels, and service operations for offshore wind farms.
As the logistics of renewable energy infrastructure become increasingly strategic, both companies appear to be positioning themselves for long-term growth—albeit from different ends of the supply chain.
About the Author
Eva Richardson covers maritime logistics, energy supply chains, and sustainable freight innovations for The Logistic News. Her reporting focuses on strategic developments shaping the future of global transportation.
