Esvagt and US vessels operator Crowley have agreed to jointly build and operate a service operations vessel (SOV) for a US offshore wind farm.
The companies have signed a long-term charter with Siemens Gamesa.
Under the agreement Crowley will manage and crew the SOV to support Siemens Gamesa’s service operations on the Dominion Energy Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Farm.
Esvagt will support Crowley with design, construction, crew training and operation services as part of the two companies’ joint venture, Crest Wind, created in 2021.
The 88 metre vessel will feature technologies to support work practices and comfort for Siemens Gamesa’s operations and maintenance (O&M) activities on the wind farm.
It will be able to accommodate up to 80 crew and technicians.
Consistent with federal law, the vessel will be US-built when it enters service in 2026.
“This first contract in the US is a landmark event for Esvagt in our quest to help drive the green transition as a global leader of SOV services,” said Esvagt Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer Soren Karas.
Dominion Energy’s offshore wind farm will comprise 176 14.7MW Siemens Gamesa wind turbines and three offshore substations.
“This is an important step in the development of a skilled offshore workforce in America,” said David Hickey, CEO, Service Americas for Siemens Gamesa.
He added: “This charter will enable us to provide top-tier service for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project with a US-built vessel.”