Dominion Energy has laid the keel for the first US offshore wind jack-up.
The utility said the milestone took place at the Keppel AmFELS yard in Brownsville, Texas.
Steel was supplied domestically, Dominion said, adding the vessel is of strategic importance to its future business.
The developer said it expects to have the vessel, which was designed by GustoMSC and can tackle turbines of 12MW and larger, active from 2027. It will also be equipped for foundation installation and will cost $500m.
Once constructed, the installation ship will be available for charter hire, including by Dominion, subject to the approval of the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
UK vessel operator Seajacks will assist Dominion with construction and operations oversight.
The jack-up will be fully Jones Act compliant.
“This is a monumental step for the offshore wind industry in America,” said Robert M. Blue, Dominion’s president and chief executive officer.
“Dominion Energy is proud to be leading a consortium of respected industry participants in the construction of the first Jones Act compliant offshore wind turbine installation vessel, which will provide significant American jobs, and provide a reliable, home-grown installation solution with the capacity to handle the next generation of large-scale, highly-efficient turbine technologies.
“This will better enable the offshore wind industry to bring clean, renewable energy to customers in the U.S.”
Governor Ralph Northam meanwhile added: “Offshore wind is bringing clean energy and new jobs to America, and Virginia is leading the way.
“This new vessel will help propel the offshore wind supply chain, drive economic development in Hampton Roads, and grow the offshore wind workforce in our Commonwealth. We are thrilled to celebrate great news like this in what has been a challenging year.”