US offshore wind ‘a story of momentum’

The market report says major installation activities have continued across three major projects, with permitting advancements increasing the ’shovel-ready pipeline’ to 15GW, port ground breakings and vessel launches becoming routine.

“People are working,” it says. ”This momentum started building four years ago, when the US had no permitted projects, no projects under installation, and minimum supply chain investments.”

However, blaming uncertainty over the forthcoming election, which takes place next week, the report also says private investment and activities have decreased, and states are working furiously to recover cancelled agreements.

The figures according to Oceantic are:

• 15.34GW under contract
• 15GW federal approved for construction
• 4.1GW in the installation phase
• 310MW operational

European expertise

The growing US offshore wind sector is also providing opportunities for European designers and manufacturers, despite the restrictions of the Jones Act.

US-based Crowley and Danish firm Esvagt, for example, have ordered a daughter craft designed by the UK’s Chartwell Marine for an SOV destined for the Virginia Offshore Wind project, which is scheduled to complete up to 100 turbine installations any time.

Crowley and Esvagt have formed a joint venture called ‘Crest’, combining the former’s American logistics and fleet operations and the latter’s know-how and operational experience in offshore wind.

Derecktor Shipyards, with four facilities in the US, will build the 12.25m multi-hull catamaran for the project, which is owned by Dominion Energy.

“Our team is proud of this project and ready to dive in. Significant effort and collaboration with the Crest team got us to this point and our talented production team is ready to bring it home,” said Erik Derecktor, commercial manager – New Construction. “We are excited to support the maritime sector’s energy transition, from hybrid and electric vessels to the offshore wind fleet.”