Offshore staff
LYNGBY, Denmark — Maersk Supply Service is due to install the wind turbines at the Beacon Wind farm off the US East Coast for a joint venture between Equinor and bp. The installation of Beacon Wind is expected to start in 2028.
In March 2022, Maersk Supply Service ordered a newbuild wind installation vessel (WIV), the first project for which will be the installation of the U.S. wind park, Empire Wind, also by Equinor and bp.
This new agreement comes in direct continuation of the previously announced contract for Empire Wind.
Designed in house and patented by Maersk Supply Service, the WIV design works in conjunction with a new feeder methodology, expected to be more than 30% more efficient than conventional jackup vessels. This is due both to the WIV’s feeder capabilities and because the WIV stays on location for the duration of the installation, while only the tugs and barges ferry to and from the coast. This enables the WIV to be deployed solely for the purpose of the turbine installation. The solution is also less weather dependent, enabling installation to continue all year round. These elements will all contribute to improving the efficiency of the operations and to bring down the levelized costs of offshore wind.
Maersk Supply Service has partnered with Kirby Offshore Wind, a subsidiary of Kirby Corp., which will construct and operate the feeder barges and tugs in the US, in compliance with the Jones Act. Kirby Offshore Wind will support the Beacon Wind contract further by adding a third barge to the installation spread.
07.14.2022
