Dutch subsea cable specialist Wind has signed a long-term cooperation agreement with Waterson Terminals in the US state of Rhode Island to establish a new cable storage yard.
The cable storage yard will be located at ProvPort in Providence and is expected to be fully operational by the beginning of the third quarter of this year.
Wind said that there will be potential to expand into other Waterson Terminals’ facilities as the business grows and more space is required.
The Providence yard will provide all cable and accessories storage and handling, while the project management will be carried out from Wind’s headquarters in Alkmaar in the Netherlands.
Wind chief executive Tom Nooij said: “We want to bring the experience that we have gained in the European energy market over the last 10-plus years to the US, and extend our contribution to the global energy transition, in our own small way.
“I thank Waterson Terminals and International Longshoreman’s Association for their passion, efficiency, and professionalism in getting us to this point and look forward to a lengthy collaboration together.”
For the first US projects this year, Wind’s European cable team will be on site working with an experienced, local labour force from Waterson Terminals and the International Longshoreman’s Association.
But over time, local labour will be trained in specialty equipment and handling techniques to increase local job creation.
Waterson Terminal Services general manager Chris Waterson said: “Waterson Terminal Services is thrilled to partner with Wind as we work to provide a high level of port logistics and stevedoring service to the US offshore wind supply chain.
“Wind has gained valuable experience supporting cable logistics projects in Europe and Asia and combining that expertise with our existing management team and skilled, local ILA workforce will further strengthen our service offering.”