Crowley signs up for exclusive talks to build wind port in California

Crowley has signed an agreement that could see it develop the first port terminal in California to serve the offshore wind sector.

The Florida maritime outfit’s agreement with the Port of Humboldt Bay comes as the US state is aiming to get in on US efforts to build offshore wind generation capacity that have so far focused on the East Coast.

Crowley said the deal means its wind services division will start exclusive negotiations with the port for a lease that would make it both developer and operator of Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Marine Terminal.

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The terminal’s tenants would be involved in manufacturing, installation and operation of floating offshore wind platforms in waters of the Pacific off the Northern California coast. It would serve heavylift cargo vessels, crew vessels and marshalling operations.

“Clean, renewable energy for Californians took a step forward through our partnership with the leaders of the Port of Humboldt Bay,” Crowley senior vice president and general manager of wind services Bob Karl said in a statement.

“Through our collaboration, we can reach our shared commitment for sustainable development that gives the state and the nation a new source of energy that respects the environment and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.”

Humboldt Bay becomes Crowley’s second offshore wind port project. Earlier this month, the company purchased land in Salem, Massachusetts, for a terminal there. Engineering and design is underway.

The US Department of the Interior has announced plans to launch an offshore wind lease sale on 6 December for waters on Humboldt Bay.

First in the west

The sale would mark the first sale of offshore wind energy leases on the US West Coast, where California’s state government is aiming to have 5 GW of generation capacity by 2030, or a sixth of the 30 GW targeted by President Joe Biden.

Eager to get in on the action, the Port of Humboldt Bay has already developed a conceptual master plan for the terminal, funded by a $10.5m grant from the California Energy Commission.

The terminal’s first phase involves 98 acres, or 397,000 square metres, but adjoining land has been set aside for expansion.

“Guided by the support and expertise of Crowley, the Port of Humboldt Bay now stands to be an international leader in the transition to renewable energy,” port board president Greg Dale said in a statement.

“The port will play a critical role not only in the Humboldt and Morro Bay call areas, but in all future offshore wind areas of the US West Coast.