On 17 January Crowley and Danish offshore maritime leader ESVAGT announced they will jointly build and operate a service operations vessel (SOV) under a long-term charter with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, enhancing a service crucial for the US clean wind energy market.
Under the new contract, US-based Crowley will manage and crew the SOV to support Siemens Gamesa’s service operations on the Dominion Energy Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project.
ESVAGT, based in Denmark, will support Crowley with design, construction, crew training and operation services as part of the two companies’ joint venture, CREST Wind, created in 2021 to deliver the best of both worlds: combining European designs and operating practices with the safety and operational expertise of the premier U.S. vessel operator.
The 289ft vessel will feature state-of-the-art technologies to augment safety, workability and comfort to support the O&M activities of the wind farm project. It will have modern accommodations for 80 crew and technicians. Consistent with federal law, the vessel will be U.S. built when it enters service in 2026.
“This vessel marks another significant milestone in our overarching, combined capabilities to help develop, construct and serve the U.S. offshore wind market and America’s clean, renewable energy needs,” said Bob Karl, senior vice president and general manager, Crowley Wind Services.
“We appreciate Siemens Gamesa’s trust in our capabilities, and we look forward to continuing our work to develop state-of-the-art, purpose-built vessels to meet sustainable energy demands in the U.S.”
Recognised as the largest operator of SOVs in Europe, ESVAGT has established its industry leadership in SOV concept and innovation development that provides efficient operations with safety and support for personnel at offshore wind projects.
