Zentech and Renewable Resources International plan first Jones Act offshore wind vessel
US naval architect Zentech and energy development consultancy firm Renewable Resources International have jointly announced a plan to build the country’s first Jones Act compliant offshore wind installation vessel.
The vessel is designed to navigate the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier and will be based on a US-built barge. The vessel can also act as an oil and gas crane jack-up for decommissioning.
“This is another defining moment in the evolution of Zentech as one of the world’s leading designers and turnkey providers of advanced offshore solutions. Renewable Resources International’s extensive renewable energy industry knowledge and firsthand experience with the nation’s first offshore wind farm, coupled with the innovative designs and problem-solving mindset of Zentech Inc, will be a powerful combination providing optimal solutions for the marine installation of Offshore Wind Farms in the US,” said Ramesh Maini, president and CEO of Zentech.
“With larger scale offshore wind projects following Block Island, the US market requires forward looking marine logistics, such as Zentech’s competitive Jones Act compliant jack-up installation vessel. The US made, domestically accessible and designed in concert with the advanced European offshore wind industry, this vessel conversion is another example of the important role the US oil & gas Industry will play in accelerating the US offshore wind industry,” commented Andy Geissbuehler, managing partner of Renewable Resources International.
Zentech is now in discussions with shipyards in the Gulf of Mexico and along the US east coast for construction. Delivery of the vessel is estimated at the end of 2018.