Orsted and Eversource have reached a final agreement with Gateway Terminal and the US state of Connecticut on a plan to turn a New London pier into an offshore wind staging hub.
The plan is to transform the State Pier under a $157m public-private investment that also involved the state’s quasi-public agency Connecticut Port Authority.
Infrastructure upgrades will turn the site into a modern, heavy-lift capable port for the offshore wind industry.
Permitting and site investigations have been underway since 2019, and the contractor selection process will begin in late 2020.
More than 400 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the project.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2021 and be completed by August 2022.
Following the completion, an Orsted and Eversource joint venture will enter into a 10-year lease agreement, which will allow it to use State Pier for wind turbine pre-assembly and staging for the Revolution Wind, Sunrise Wind and South Fork projects.
During periods where Orsted and Eversource are not using State Pier, Gateway Terminal will market the facility to other customers.
The updated memorandum of understanding reflects feedback from community partners regarding the importance of a rail link, and from State Pier’s neighbour the Cross Sound Ferry.
The partners worked with Cross Sound Ferry to permit installation vessels to dock on the east side of an upgraded State Pier.
“This enhanced design best positions State Pier to accept additional heavy lift cargo vessels over the long-term while enabling Cross Sound Ferry to continue to grow its operations in New London,” they said.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said: “Economic growth has remained a top priority throughout my administration, and this agreement paves the way for a surge in activity in New London and Eastern Connecticut that will cement the state’s position as a leader in the industry.
“This new partnership achieves the goal of job growth in a critical part of our state, while making investments in clean energy, showing the world, yet again, that Connecticut will be a leader in addressing climate change.”
Connecticut Port Authority chair David Kooris said: “The future of State Pier is vital to the Connecticut Port Authority’s and the state’s success.
“This tremendous step forward will maximise the location and assets of State Pier, boosting the region’s economy in the process.”
Orsted US Offshore Wind chief executive Thomas Brostrom said: “Like our partner in the State of Connecticut, both Orsted and Eversource believe taking on climate change is imperative, and offshore wind is one of the solutions that will not only help Connecticut shift away from fossil fuels but also drive significant economic development and local community investment.
“We are confident that the revitalisation of State Pier will put New London on the map for the offshore wind industry, attracting manufacturers and suppliers to choose the New London region, bringing along economic benefits and growth.
“We salute Governor Lamont and the State for all their hard work to finalise the agreement and launching Connecticut’s next great maritime industry.”
Eversource executive vice president of strategy, customer and corporate relations Joe Nolan said: “In addition to the hundreds of well-paying, local jobs that will be created to construct our wind projects out of State Pier, we have also committed millions in local community investments as part of our Revolution Wind project and we will be partnering with local companies to develop a local offshore wind supply chain.
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the state, the Connecticut Port Authority, Gateway Terminal and other local partners to bring the offshore wind industry to Connecticut’s shores, advance our clean energy economy and achieve our climate goals.”