An illustration of Great Lakes Dredge and Docks' Jones Act-compliant rock installation vessel that will support the growing U.S. offshore wind industry. Illustration courtesy Great Lakes Dredge & Dock
Dredging provider Great Lakes Dredge and Dock has announced plans for a Jones Act-compliant rock installation vessel to support the growing U.S. offshore wind industry.
The company says the vessel represents a critical advancement in the building of U.S. offshore wind industry infrastructure, including establishing a U.S.-based rock supply chain network spanning eastern seaboard states with active offshore wind leases.
The “inclined fallpipe vessel” will be designed in partnership with Ulstein Design and Solutions B.V. GLDD says the vessel will have state-of-the-art specifications and built with the highest maritime standards, including best-in-class air-quality controls to adhere to EPA Tier 4 emissions standards.
If all goes according to plan, the vessel will be operational in the first quarter of 2024 to coincide with major offshore wind construction timelines on the U.S. East Coast, says GLDD.
With a 130-year history, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is the nation’s largest provider of dredging services with a fleet of over 200 specialized vessels. This will mark its first foray into the burgeoning offshore wind sector.
“U.S. offshore wind’s potential growth could be a true economic stimulus for America. We believe this is the optimal time for us to leverage our extensive specialized vessel expertise to enter this exciting market now coming to the United States,” said Lasse Petterson, GLDD’s chief executive officer and president.
As a Jones Act-compliant vessel, it will be built, owned and operated primarily by U.S. citizens or permanent residents and can transport goods between U.S. ports.
“We are initiating this project because we firmly believe that a Jones Act compliant offshore wind subsea rock installation vessel is a critical foundational piece required to advance the U.S. offshore wind energy industry. We are committed to safe and sustainable operations and excited to make history with this landmark vessel,” said Petterson.
Plans for the vessel are still dependent on a final investment decision by GLDD, as well as permitting and regulatory approvals.
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