12. February 2026

MELCAL’s stiff boom cranes play a central role in the newly completed Offshore Substation (OSS) topsides now bound for the German North Sea. Installed on each topside, these units represent the fourth and fifth OSS cranes delivered to Chantiers de l’Atlantique through the ongoing partnership. 

Engineered for demanding offshore environments, the cranes provide a 30‑metre outreach and are fully certified for cargo handling and man‑riding, enabling safe personnel transfer, rescue, and evacuation operations. They incorporate AOPS, MOPS, and LOPS protection systems, ensuring full compliance with the highest operational and regulatory standards. Additional features include redundant control capability, integrated lightning and fire‑detection systems, and a boom‑tip camera that enhances visibility during lifting tasks. 

Real‑time operational data is integrated with the OSS SCADA system, providing alarms, status indicators, temperature monitoring, and operational mode information. The cranes are supplied with a CX corrosion‑protection coating compliant with NF EN 12944‑2, with all surface preparation and coating work inspected under FROSIO or NACE standards. All equipment complies with relevant European Directives and carries CE certification.

With both OSS topsides now complete, they are ready to depart from the west coast of France for installation on pre‑installed foundations in the German North Sea. The upcoming “wedding at sea” will connect topsides and foundations to form the operational core of the Nordseecluster A wind project.

Delivering two cranes of this capacity simultaneously highlights MELCAL’s technical strength and the dedication of its teams. MELCAL specialists are currently onsite, providing comprehensive operational and maintenance training to RWE personnel ahead of offshore commissioning.