Eneti has entered into a binding agreement with Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering for the construction a turbine installation vessel.
The $330m (€272m) contract with Daewoo is for a NG-16000X design by GustoMSC, and includes a 2600-tonne Leg Encircling Crane from Huisman Equipment.
The vessel is capable of installing up to 20MW turbines at depths of up to 65 metres of water, and it can be adapted to operate on the alternate fuels of LNG or Ammonia.
It will be delivered in early Q3, 2024 and Eneti holds an option to construct an additional vessel at the same price, net of currency adjustments.
In addition, the Company has announced that it is in advanced discussions with American shipbuilders for the construction of a Jones Act-Compliant WTIV.
This vessel would be constructed, financed, and operated by American citizens in compliance with the Jones Act, in order to address the heightened demand for transportation and installation capacity on the Continental Shelf of the United States.
Chairman and chief executive Emanuele A Lauro said: “Since last August, we have been unequivocal about our intention to enter the wind turbine installation sector.
“This contract with Daewoo is a milestone for the Company, as it reflects months of customer engagement and collaboration with partners, both old and new.
“This vessel will have the advanced lifting capabilities and energy efficiency that offshore wind developers require, not just today but well into the next decade.
“In addition, we are laying the groundwork for a Jones-Act compliant WTIV to address the American mandate for offshore wind development.
“The growing calls for a safe, efficient, American-constructed and American-operated asset have been clear and loud.
“We are intent on providing a state-of-the-art solution to our customers so that they can comply with the Jones Act as they bring renewable energy to the US consumer.”