Ørsted has placed an order with WindServe Marine for two purpose-built crew transfer vessels (CTVs) for the U.S. offshore wind market.
The first CTV will be built by U.S. Workboats and deployed for Ørsted’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, followed by subsequent service on Northeast projects.
WindServe’s affiliate shipyard Senesco Marine will construct the second vessel which will specifically be used for the Revolution Wind project offshore New England.
“Choosing WindServe to build our CTVs at Senesco will provide locally built vessels and a local operator for the domestic offshore wind industry,” said Thomas Brostrøm , President and CEO of Ørsted North America.
“WindServe Marine’s experience with Jones Act vessel operations and full service shipyard fabrication, coupled with their dedication to the future of green energy, make them a great partner as we expand operations along the East Coast.”
The CTVs will be designed by BMT Group and built specifically for East Coast sea conditions, Ørsted said.
The first vessel is already being built with delivery expected early next year, while the construction of the second CTV will begin in late 2020.
The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project will comprise two Siemens Gamesa 6MW turbines installed in a federal lease area some 43km off the coast of Virginia Beach. It is set to start operating in December 2020.
The 700MW Revolution Wind project, located some 15km south of the Rhode Island coast, is scheduled to be installed in 2022.