On 15 March 2024, Maersk Supply Service announced a partnership with Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) to construct and operate a wind farm feeder concept tailored for Maersk Supply Service’s next-generation Wind Installation Vessel.
Innovative Technology for Offshore Wind
Maersk Supply Service aims to accelerate the deployment of offshore wind through the steady transfer of turbine components at sea. This investment builds on their existing presence in the U.S. offshore wind market, making the collaboration with ECO a natural progression.
Efficiency Gains in Windfarm Installation
Christian M. Ingerslev, CEO of Maersk Supply Service, states, “Our new installation concept can make offshore wind farm installations 30% more efficient. The partnership with ECO brings this new technology to the U.S. offshore wind market, enabling faster installations.”
The purpose-built feeder spread includes two tugs and two barges, set for delivery in 2026. Constructed by Bollinger Shipyards, the largest privately-owned shipyard group in the U.S., these vessels will be owned and operated by ECO.
Enhanced Installation Process
This new-build feeder spread will transport wind turbine components or foundations to the installation site while the wind installation vessel (WIV) remains on location to complete successive installations. This process allows for faster installation and quicker integration of wind parks into the grid.
Expanding U.S. Offshore Wind Industry
Dino Chouest, Executive Vice President of ECO, highlights the partnership’s role in expanding their footprint in the U.S. offshore wind industry. “Our decades of offshore experience and focus on technology will contribute significantly to the U.S. offshore wind segment’s development,” he says.
The specialized feeder system is designed to increase access to more U.S. ports. Using U.S.-built, -owned, and -flagged tugs and barges, Maersk Supply Service’s innovative locking and stabilizing mechanism between the WIV and barge will make installations less dependent on weather conditions, reducing the number of operating days needed to install a wind park.
About Maersk Supply Service
Maersk Supply Service provides offshore marine services for the energy sector, including oil, gas, and bottom-fixed wind. The company is committed to solving future energy challenges through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships. Headquartered in Lyngby, Denmark, Maersk Supply Service operates a global fleet of 30 Offshore Support Vessels and employs over 1,400 people.
Maersk Supply Service is owned by A.P. Moller Holding, the investment arm of the A.P. Moller Foundation, which focuses on global trade, energy transition, circularity, and societal changes.
About Edison Chouest Offshore
Founded in 1960, Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) is the world’s most diverse marine transportation solution provider. ECO operates a fleet of nearly 300 vessels and is the largest provider of U.S. ‘Jones Act’ compliant offshore marine vessels. They stay at the forefront of new technologies, including emissions reductions and integrated bridge systems, to serve their expanding global customer base.
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Source: Maersk
