Partners Orsted and Eversource claimed an “incredible moment” for the US offshore wind industry as they signed a long-term charter deal for what is said to be the first US-flagged, Jones Act-compliant service operations vessel (SOV) for the sector.
Global offshore wind giant Orsted and utility partner Eversource signed the deal with shipping group Edison Chouest Offshore for an SOV that will carry out operation and maintenance work on their planned Revolution Wind, South Fork Wind and Sunrise Wind projects off New England in the north-east of the US.
The 80-metre, US-flagged vessel will be built in Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana, and operate out of New York. It will mark the first deal in offshore wind for an SOV that meets the terms of the US Jones Act, which places restrictions on the activities of foreign vessels in US waters.
Complying with the act has posed a headache for the fast-growing US offshore wind sector, as most of the specialist vessels serving the industry are based in Europe or Asia.
Recharge — a sister publication to TradeWinds — revealed in September how the first Jones Act-compliant turbine installation vessel will cost $500m in order to bring it into service by 2023.
No date is given for entry to service for the vessel.
Please click here to read the entire story on TradeWinds sister publication Recharge.
