American Offshore Services (AOS) has formed a strategic partnership with Orion Infrastructure Capital (OIC) to build crew transfer vessels (CTVs) for the US offshore wind sector.
Under the arrangement, OIC will provide financing to build a series of CTVs at Blount Boats.
The new Jones Act compliant, 30-metre G-class vessels are based on Northern Offshore Services CTV design.
The aluminium catamarans will have a special compartment set aside for batteries to make the vessels hybrid-ready.
AOS is a joint venture between European CTV operator, Northern Offshore Services, and US offshore logistics company, SEA OG Offshore.
In November, AOS placed an order for four hybrid-ready CTVs from Warren, Rhode Island-based Blount Boats, with plans for further expansion.
AOS chief executive James Clouse said: “AOS is thrilled to have the support of Orion. These partnerships are requisite to sustain our energy transition; and by building a hybrid-ready, Jones Act fleet for offshore wind farm construction, operations, and maintenance, we are doing just that.”
OIC investment partner and head of infra credit Ethan Shoemaker said: “We are excited to partner with A-O-S and finance the next generation of Jones Act compliant CTVs.
“These vessels are crucial to the successful construction of renewable power generation, which will be capable of powering millions of homes across the East Coast.
“This partnership supports Orion’s objective to continue championing sustainable infrastructure.
“On behalf of the OIC team, we would like to thank James and his colleagues for selecting Orion to be their capital partner.”