US naval architect Zentech and Virginia-based consultancy Renewable Resources International have unveiled plans to build the country’s first Jones Act compliant offshore wind installation vessel.
The four-legged, self-propelled, dynamically positioned level two (DP2) jack-up will be based on a US-built barge.
The vessel could be delivered by the end of 2018, said Zentech.
“The deployment of a US flagged vessel is a positive sign and a step in the right direction for the offshore wind industry in the US,” said Thomas Brostrom, president of Dong Energy North America, which holds two lease areas along the east coast.
“This will help in the creation of a sustainable supply chain that includes several suppliers and we welcome initiatives such as this from serious market players in the industry,” he added.
Texas-based oil and gas specialist Zentech will incorporate lessons learned from the European offshore industry.
Zentech plans to install four truss legs with spud cans, a proven oil and gas design, integrated in a newly-built hull.
The vessel is designed to navigate the New Bedford hurricane barrier and will carry and install in this configuration components for at least three complete 6MW to 9MW turbines. The jacking system will be rated at a capacity of 16,000 tons.
Zentech is in discussions with shipyards in the Gulf of Mexico and along the US east coast for construction.
The vessel will also act as an oil and gas crane jack-up for decommissioning in 300-foot water depths when not in service for installing or maintaining wind turbines.
Image: reNEWS
