Orsted has completed the installation of the first turbine foundations in US federal waters, for the 12MW Coastal Virginia project.
The Danish developer is managing the offshore installation of the project on behalf of developer Dominion Energy.
Coastal Virginia will operate with two 6MW Siemens Gamesa turbines when it is completed in the second half of this year.
Orsted US offshore chief executive Thomas Brostrom said: “Today is a monumental day for the US offshore wind industry as Orsted completed the installation of the first turbine foundations in US federal waters.
“Our team and suppliers have worked tirelessly in unprecedented circumstances to complete this project on behalf of our partner Dominion Energy.
“I hope today serves as a symbol for what the future of this industry holds for the US. Hats off to the team on this accomplishment.”
Meanwhile US vessels operator Atlantic Wind Transfers has been chosen to provide offshore marine support services for the offshore wind farm.
Dominion Energy selected the Rhode Island-based operator of crew transfer vessels through a competitive bid process.
Atlantic Wind Transfers currently has a long-term contract with Orsted providing offshore marine support services for the 30MW Block Island offshore wind farm, the first to operate in the US.
Atlantic Wind Transfers chief executive Charles Donadio said: “I am proud that my company was selected to provide CTV services for the first offshore wind farm in federal waters.
“We are looking forward to bringing our years of experience, reliability and safety standards to the table to make this offshore wind farm a huge success.”
The operator plans to launch and commission its new-build Chartwell 24 CTV, which is Jones Act compliant, directly into the long-term charter contract upon delivery from Blount Boats in Warren, Rhode Island later this year.