Wind Energy – U.S.A.
Edison Chouest Offshore announce that shipbuilding of what is being termed the ‘first Jones Act-qualified wind farm service operations vessel (SOV) built in the United States’ has commenced.
Due for delivery in 2024, the vessel named ECO Edison is being built at Edison’s in-house shipyards located in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, with components for the vessel being manufactured in 12 states.
Measuring over 260 feet long and capable of housing 60 crew members, the SOV will be utilized during the operation and maintenance of the three wind farm projects, South Fork Wind, Revolution Wind, and Sunrise Wind, being developed as joint ventures by Ørsted and Eversource.
The companies plan to operate the vessel from Port Jefferson, New York. It will serve as an at sea base of operations to accommodate and transfer technicians, tools, and parts safely to and from the individual wind turbine generators.
“This new vessel will be the first of its kind in the United States and play a crucial role in the growth of America’s offshore wind industry,” said David Hardy, Chief Executive Officer of Ørsted Offshore North America.