Danish offshore wind developer Orsted A/S and Louisiana-based shipbuilder Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) marked a significant milestone on Saturday with the christening of the first American-built offshore wind service operations vessel (SOV) at the Port of New Orleans.
Named the ECO EDISON, this groundbreaking vessel, the first of its kind to fly the US flag, is poised to support the operation and maintenance of Orsted and US utility Eversource Energy's South Fork Wind, Revolution Wind, and Sunrise Wind projects. Notably, Eversource is currently in the process of divesting from the offshore wind business.
In a statement, Orsted highlighted its investment in the vessel as a testament to its dedication to fostering a domestic offshore energy supply chain. Constructed by over 600 workers at ECO's in-house shipyards in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, the SOV embodies a collaborative effort to bolster America's offshore wind capabilities. Additionally, the vessel will be powered by engines sourced from Houston-based Caterpillar Marine.
The ECO EDISON will serve as a year-round residence for 60 offshore wind turbine technicians, who will be tasked with servicing and maintaining the wind turbines throughout their operational lifespan.
