Denmark’s Esvagt and US-based Crowley have set up a US joint venture to provide Jones Act-compliant vessels for the US offshore wind sector.
To be consistent with the requirements of the US Jones Act, Crowley will own and operate the vessels with its trained US mariners, while Crowley and ESVAGT will “share in the economics” of the venture.
Esvagt will provide technical advice on the design, construction, and operation of service operation vessels in the US market.
The venture will work to develop a best-in-class design and deliver its first wind-dedicated, US flag SOV.
Earlier this year, Crowley formed its new energy division strategically focused on diverse services supporting the emerging energy sectors in the US and adjacent regions.
Crowley’s new energy business services include include transportation of turbines during construction, industry-specific support vessels, shoreside terminalling and supply chain services from farm construction through decommissioning.
Crowley chairman and CEO Tom Crowley said: “This partnership will marry Crowley’s transferable engineering, vessel operations, project management and logistics experience in the US offshore markets to Esvagt’s global SOV design and operations capabilities.
“This will enable the continued growth of sustainable, greener energy solutions by directly addressing the offshore wind service capacity challenge.”
Esvagt is a leading provider of SOV services to the European offshore wind operations and maintenance market.