Orsted has completed the initial phase of Maryland’s first offshore wind staging centre which is expected to service its 120MW Skipjack project.
Once finished, Tradepoint Atlantic will be a 3,300-acre global logistics centre in Baltimore County, Maryland.
Orsted has now completed $13.2m (€11m) in port infrastructure upgrades establishing both a lift-on/lift-off and roll-on/roll-off berth within Tradepoint Atlantic’s port facility.
This will be for handling offshore wind components such as wind turbine blades, foundations, nacelles, and towers.
The work has also included strengthening the ground bearing capacity at the port to allow heavy-lift cranes and specialised transporters to move wind turbine components, some weighing as much as 2,000 tons, from ships onto the site.
Orsted provided funding to drive hundreds of heavy steel pilings over 150 feet into the ground so that these heavy components can be safely handled.
The Danish developer and Tradepoint Atlantic are now beginning preparations for the second phase of the staging centre, which is development of 50 additional acres of land for the laydown, storage, and assembly of offshore wind components.
This new phase represents a critical step in Orsted’s commitment to invest in a steel fabrication plant in Maryland, and also lays the groundwork for a potential investment in steel manufacturing facilities at Tradepoint.
The new space could also be used for manufacturing offshore wind components.
The development of these areas can be a building block for future suppliers to build a Maryland-centric supply chain for offshore wind.
Governor of Maryland Larry Hogan said: “Tradepoint Atlantic is a world-class Maryland asset with a storied legacy of serving the needs of the United States and the world.
“This Baltimore institution is once again positioned to serve as a critical piece in supporting our country’s clean and renewable energy transformation for generations to come.
“Now is the time to invest in the kind of infrastructure that supports the development of new industries-like offshore wind-and the creation of thousands of new jobs.
“Orsted has an established track record as the global leader in this noble effort, and we’re proud to call them a partner in achieving our climate and renewable energy goals.”
Orsted chief executive for North America offshore David Hardy said: “Together with Tradepoint Atlantic, we are delivering on our promises to the State of Maryland and have literally laid the foundation of a growing offshore wind workforce and supply chain in the state.
“We are particularly proud to play our part in repurposing this historic Bethlehem Steel site, an effort that has long been supported by a number of leaders, including Governor Hogan.”