JDR Cable Systems is partnering with McAllister Towing to collaborate on offshore wind projects off the east coast of the US.
The two companies have agreed a memorandum of understanding for the development and operation of an offshore wind subsea power cable service base and training centre at an existing McAllister waterfront location in the north-east US.
Initially the base will serve as a staging area for subsea power cables to enable local storage, maintenance and deployment to the local market.
In the longer term, the partners plan offices, storage, a workshop and training facilities in order to develop offshore high voltage electrical and fibre optic competencies in the local workforce.
JDR said that as the US offshore wind industry matures, the base will transition to become the JDR Offshore Wind Life of Field Service Center.
“Some of the services to be provided will be asset management services, capital spare cable storage, preservation and maintenance as well as the JDR life of field service headquarters for the US offshore wind market,” the company said.
It added that the location has been chosen and the implementation stages approved, while legal and administrative formulas are currently being completed.
JDR Americas director David Nemetz said: “Our partnership with McAllister is one of several critical steps JDR Cables has towards establishing our market leading presence in the US offshore wind market.
“McAllister makes the perfect partner for JDR as their vessel and tug experiences will complement our strategy for development of services during the installation, commissioning, operating and decommissioning phases of this new industry.
“Establishing this first of its kind service facility in the US market will provide additional value for our customers thanks to the experience of our employees in the field of production, technology and services.
“This facility aims at developing local personnel and providing jobs for both professional and technician personnel. I am convinced our joint venture will bring significant benefits to anyone interested in wind-related development of the east coast of the US.”
McAllister Towing president Buckley McAllister said: “McAllister Towing is very excited to work with JDR Cables. Offshore wind farm development is a new industry for New England.
“JDR Cables expertise in manufacturing and service excellence will be in high demand as the offshore wind industry gets started in our region.
“While maritime logistics and project operations have always been part of our business, JDR Cables brings vast experience in subsea installations that are otherwise unavailable to customers in the area. We are proud to be able to work with a company of their global reputation and capability in this fast-evolving business.”