Lloyd’s Register North America is to work with Northeast Technical Services (NETSCo) to design and develop a Jones Act compliant wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) for the US offshore wind market.
NETSCo engineers and naval architects will be responsible for the concept design of the vessel, which will be focused on meeting the requirements of current developments along the US east coast and Great Lakes.
Another feature of the design is that it will use hull shapes that are common in the US shipbuilding market, therefore ensuring it could be built in shipyards in the country.
Lloyd’s Register will review and evaluate NETSCo’s concept design to ensure the vessel complies with applicable rules and regulations.
Its team of technical compliance experts will also evaluate the design against international codes and standards and the US Coast Guard’s Code of Federal Regulations.
NETSCo vice president Jan Flores said: “The lack of Jones Act-qualified compliant wind turbine installation vessels has become a major challenge for offshore wind turbine developers.
“With years of research and development in this industry, it is a perfect opportunity for us to leverage our engineering expertise in a strong collaborative enterprise with LR.
“This collaboration was a cumulation of efforts to better support the offshore wind turbine market with a Jones Act-qualified vessel alternative, as well as offering conversion options for vessels that have been dry-docked during this economic downturn.
“We look forward to our continued work with LR for their guidance and expertise in classification, compliance and advisory services in the offshore industry.”
Lloyd’s Register Americas marine and offshore commercial manager Rafael Riva said: “The offshore wind industry is expected to see exponential growth in the United States.
“There are currently no US-built wind turbine installation vessels, and if the sector takes off as expected, there will be a pressing requirement for such vessels.
“What truly sets LR apart is our in-depth understanding of specific port logistics to handle WTIVs, from the significant advisory work undertaken for some of the designated US east coast ports and how this will impact the optimal operation of these vessels in the specific environment.
“This collaboration with NETSCo to develop a Jones Act compliant wind turbine installation vessel represents an essential development to support the US offshore wind industry.”