An official launch ceremony was held to have a good time the commissioning of a brand new Jones Act compliant crew switch vessel (CTV) constructed for American Offshore Services (A-O-S)—the corporate’s first.
Constructed by Blount Boats in Warren, R.I., the 100-foot-long aluminum catamaran is owned and operated by A-O-S, a three way partnership shaped in 2020 by main European CTV operator Northern Offshore Services (N-O-S) and U.S.-based funding agency OIC.
The vessel will assist Ørsted and Eversource’s portfolio of offshore wind farms within the Northeast, together with the Revolution Wind mission in Rhode Island and the South Fork Wind and Sunrise Wind initiatives in New York. The vessel will probably be berthed at Ørsted’s Operations Hub at Quonset Point, and can transport wind service technicians to initiatives at sea.
The vessel, primarily based on N-O-S’ 30-meter G-class design, options Volvo Penta’s IPS propulsion system and is alleged to be “hybrid-ready”, that means it was constructed with area reserved for all of the required parts for future improve to hybrid propulsion.
A-O-S, which plans to increase its CTV fleet with the expansion of the U.S. offshore wind trade, presently has vessels on order at Blount Boats in addition to Metal Shark in Franklin, La.
To date, there are greater than 20 CTVs in service or on order within the U.S., in keeping with information from Intelatus Global Partners. In the years forward, it’s anticipated that dozens extra will probably be constructed within the U.S. to assist the development and long-term service of a pipeline of latest wind farms slated to sprout up within the waters off of the nation’s East Coast.
“At N-O-G we always strive to be the best at what we do, every day. We are very proud of A-O-S and the partnerships we have created throughout Rhode Island and the fast-growing offshore wind market. With CTVs like Gripper and our dedicated crew, we are honored to provide A-O-S designed, highly specialized vessels together with our experienced, trained crew colleagues, to the Rhode Island offshore wind market,” mentioned David Kristensson, Group CEO of A-O-S guardian firm Northern Offshore Group. “As America’s offshore wind industry evolves, we look forward to be a frontrunner in innovation and sustainability, and continuing to play our crucial role in the construction and maintenance of offshore wind farms, both here in Rhode Island and across the Northeast region.”
“We’re proud to have spent decades at the center of Rhode Island’s illustrious shipbuilding sector, and Gripper represents the next chapter in this legacy,” mentioned Marcia Blount, President of Blount Boats. “This locally made, locally crewed ship will support our state’s growing offshore wind sector – and the rewarding and well-paid careers that come with it – for decades to come.”
Gripper is considered one of 5 new CTVs which have been accomplished or are presently being in-built Rhode Island for Ørsted and Eversource, and the primary of two that will probably be owned and operated by A-O-S and constructed at Blount Boats.
“As America’s offshore wind industry scales up, we need U.S.-flagged vessels that can quickly and safely transport our wind technicians to project sites offshore,” mentioned Patricia DiOrio, SVP, Head of Offshore Project Development Americas for Ørsted. “We welcome Gripper and its well-trained, Rhode Island-based crew into service, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside our local partners to advance our mission of providing clean, reliable power in Rhode Island and beyond, while driving local job creation and investment.”
“Today’s celebration is a representation of the power the offshore wind industry has to create jobs, drive innovation and enhance the clean energy supply chain both here in Rhode Island and across the country,” mentioned Michael Auseré, Vice President of Business Development for Eversource Energy. “As our Northeast projects continue to progress, we are fortunate to have trusted, deeply experienced partners like A-O-S and Blount Boats on our team.”
