Page 34: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Mar/Apr 2025)

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INTERVIEW GAËL CAILLEAUX, RENEWABLES GM, LOUIS DREYFUS ARMATEURS (LDA)

Image courtesy SALT

LDA ANNOUNCED A SHIPBUILDING

ORDER AND FLEET EXPANSION

WITH THE ORDER FOR A SERIES OF

THREE NEXT GENERATION SOVS.

e-methanol, and other alternative fuels to meet client de- jor markets today: mands for greener vessels. • Europe – The world’s most mature offshore wind market here LDA is “very active.”

FRANCE’S SAINT NAZAIRE • North America – Political decisions have slowed

OFFSHORE WIND FARM this market, but LDA has no exposure here.

Among LDA’s most notable projects is the Saint • Asia – An interesting market in its infancy. LDA

Nazaire Offshore Wind Farm, located 10 nautical miles is engaged and interested to expand here.

off the French coast. LDA frst secured a contract to in- While developments in North America remain outside stall inter-array cables, successfully completing the proj- its immediate focus, the European market continues to ect in 2020-2021. Building on this success, the company offer substantial opportunities. "Geopolitical challenges later won a contract to operate three CTVs for ongoing are actually accelerating offshore wind development in maintenance, supporting both General Electric (turbine Europe, and we’re well-positioned to beneft from this manufacturer) and EDF (wind farm operator). "It was a growth," Cailleaux said.

complex, multi-phase project that showcased our ability LDA’s ambitions received a major boost in February to deliver end-to-end solutions in offshore wind," Cail- 2024, when InfraVia acquired an 80% stake in the com- leaux said. "It also reinforced the strong synergy between pany, paving the way for a €1 billion investment over the our divisions." next several years. This capital infusion will enable LDA to double its feet, accelerate technological innovation, and

NAVIGATING A SHIFTING further its commitment to energy transition.

GEOPOLITICAL LANDSCAPE "We’re entering a new era of growth and innovation,"

Geopolitical events have added uncertainty to global Cailleaux concludes. "With this investment, we will design markets, but LDA sees offshore wind as a resilient and the maritime services of tomorrow, integrating cutting- growing sector. Through the LDA lens, there are three ma- edge technologies into our feet and infrastructure." 34 OFFSHORE ENGINEER OEDIGITAL.COM