ABS to class first US wind farm SOV

The SOV will be engineered, constructed and operated by Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) for long-term charter to service the planned Revolution Wind, South Fork Wind and Sunrise Wind offshore wind farms in the northeast US.

“ABS’s unique understanding of the US regulatory environment and our industry-leading offshore experience means we are uniquely well placed to support projects such as this,” said Matt Tremblay, ABS senior vice president, global offshore.

“We are fully committed to supporting development of the US offshore wind industry and proud to be part of this initiative, which will play a key role in delivering its exciting potential,” he added.

The 80m vessel, which has accommodation for 70 passengers/wind turbine technicians, will operate on diesel electric power meeting EPA Tier 4 emission standards and will feature ECO’s Variable Frequency Drive to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

“ECO put the first deep water support vessel in the Brazil offshore market with the Damon Chouest in 1991,” said Gary Chouest, ECO president and chief executive. “ECO put the first purpose designed and built deep water support vessel in the Gulf of Mexico with the Amy Chouest in 1992. And now ECO will again be first by placing the first SOV in the US windfarm market,” he added.