Semco Maritime is to provide Vineyard Wind with service and maintenance solutions for offshore wind projects in the US, including the 1200MW Commonwealth Wind proposal.
Under the terms of the agreement, Semco Maritime will create a service and maintenance hub in New Bedford in Massachusetts and hire up to 40 people in the coming years.
The company will hire local residents in a variety of positions, including management, staff technicians, specialists, engineers and administration.
The partnership agreement is contingent on Commonwealth Wind being selected by the state in the most recent round of solicitation for offshore wind energy.
Vineyard Wind also announced that Semco has been selected as the preferred supplier for maintenance of the foundations and electric service platform for the Vineyard Wind 1 project.
The partnership gives Semco Maritime the ability to work with other projects and developers.
Vineyard Wind chief executive Lars Pedersen said: “We’re very proud of the way we’ve been able to leverage our leading position in the US to maximise the local potential of the offshore wind industry, and our partnership with Semco Maritime is a perfect example.
“While our Commonwealth Wind proposal has benefits for people across the state, we know that New Bedford will continue to be a critical hub for the industry for decades to come.
“This partnership builds on the work we’ve done in the city and brings new direct investment and additional good paying, long-term jobs for local residents.”
Vineyard Wind is a joint venture between Avangrid Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
Avangrid Renewables offshore CEO Bill White said: “We are pioneering the clean energy economy right here in New Bedford.
“Partnerships with companies such as Semco will be a bedrock of a new clean energy industry and demonstrate that offshore wind will deliver not only clean energy, but real economic opportunity to communities across the Commonwealth.”
Semco Maritime chief executive Steen Brodbaek said: “Vineyard Wind is a true pioneer in US offshore wind, and we’re proud of this partnership, which marks an important milestone for us and establishes Semco Maritime as the first full scope offshore wind maintenance provider in the US.
“We look forward to cooperating with Vineyard Wind and local stakeholders to contribute to the positive development of New Bedford and the community.”