Orsted has selected Crystal Steel Fabricators’ Federalsburg facility as the US state of Maryland’s first offshore wind steel fabrication centre.
The Danish manufacturer’s investment in Crystal Steel will enable nearly $70m in supply agreements and create nearly 50 new Maryland jobs.
The agreement will position local steel workers to supply components that will be used to construct foundations for Orsted’s Mid-Atlantic offshore wind projects.
Crystal Steel will increase its workforce by nearly a third, hiring up to 50 new local welders, fitters, CNC machine operators, painters, truck drivers and more, as a result of the partnership.
The new facility will support development of at least three Orsted projects – 120MW Skipjack Wind in Maryland and Ocean Wind 1 and 2 in New Jersey.
Crystal Steel’s workers will pre-fabricate, or manufacture, large-scale, steel components that are fundamental elements of the foundations.
The components, which range in size from nine to 16 tonnes each and are almost 14 metres tall, will be used in the construction foundation boat landings, ladders, internal and exterior platforms, railings, grating, and other items.
Final assembly of these component parts will be completed locally for each project.
For the Skipjack Wind, components fabricated at Crystal Steel will be constructed at Tradepoint Atlantic, where Orsted has invested in Maryland’s first offshore wind staging centre.
Orsted offshore North America chief executive David Hardy said: “Maryland’s Eastern Shore is an outstanding location for expanding offshore wind’s domestic supply chain.
“For decades, offshore wind steel fabrication jobs were located overseas, so we are particularly excited to bring these sustainable, good-paying jobs here to America as part of our buildout of a new 21st century American industry.
“As builder, owner, and operator of Skipjack Wind 1, we are deeply committed to investing in Maryland and the Eastern Shore for decades to come.”
Crystal Steel Fabricators president William Lo said: “Crystal Steel is fortunate to have developed a long-term relationship with Orsted.
“Both Crystal Steel and Orsted have a shared commitment to deliver jobs and investment on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
“Over the last two years, Orsted has demonstrated a vested and honest interest in supporting Crystal Steel’s efforts to contribute to the offshore wind supply chain in Maryland.
“We are eager and excited for the opportunity to partner with Orsted, and to bring this to fruition for Maryland.”
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said: “Orsted is a cutting-edge company that has made it their mission to create a world that runs on green energy, and they are progressing toward that goal by continuing to invest in Maryland.
“I am confident that our state will continue to be a prime location for offshore wind development, and I want to thank both Orsted and Crystal Steel for playing a key role in our success.”