First US-Built Offshore Wind Support Vehicle Taking Shape in Louisiana

The first U.S.-built Service Operation Vessel (SOV) is being constructed by Gulf Island Fabrication, and will focus on servicing and supporting US offshore wind farms .

The SOV will efficiently support and maintain offshore wind operations off the US East Coast, equipped with advanced technologies and features including even a helideck for helicopter operations and accommodations for 60 technicians.

Imagine that. A fairly largish vessel (see picture here) that is purpose built so that it can provide lifetime support for offshore wind farms – which could be as long as 25 years.

Takeaway? Expect a number of satellite business opportunities to spring up around the main clean energy solutions. So, it is not just an offshore wind farm, it is also the entire value chain – upstream and downstream – that presents significant potential.