Schottel has reached a mutual agreement with the US Lyon Shipyard that positions both companies for the expansion of the US offshore wind industry.
According to Schottel, US wind farm operations will need a large fleet of Jones Act-qualified service operation vessels (SOVs), which will be fitted with thrusters and DP systems. These vessels will also require periodic drydocking, maintenance and thruster overhauls. Through their new partnership, Lyon Shipyard and Schottel have positioned themselves to face the new challenges.
Johnny Gaskins, VP production, Lyon Shipyard, said: “Our partnership started with harbour tugs years ago. We overhauled the drive units here under Schottel’s supervision. Today, we have a plethora of Z-drives, including spare units and spare parts. We have established capacity here to be able to service Schottel propulsion systems in all power ranges.”
Gary Aucoin, President Schottel Inc, said: “Schottel has extensive experience in the European offshore wind sector and the U.S. commercial workboat market. Benefitting from the worldwide network of expertise, the new agreement helps us to establish a first in class service base on the East Coast. With Lyon Shipyard, based in Norfolk, Virginia, we have a partner at our side that is located in the heart of the U.S. offshore wind coast. We are thus able to continue the level of service Schottel customers have come to expect.”
Under the deal, Lyon Shipyard is investing in a 500m2 Z-drive maintenance building, and SCHOTTEL will provide Lyon with technicians and technical support.
Two out of the current limited supply of dedicated Wind Turbine Installation Vessels (WTIVs) are equipped with Schottel thrusters – DEME’s Innovation and Jan de Nul’s Vole au Vent. More wind installation vessels, such as two for Jan de Nul, Voltaire and Les Alizés, are under construction with Schottel propulsion systems. Following their delivery this year, they will be among the largest ships of their kind.
Lyon Shipyard currently provides repair and fabrication services, including marine electronics repair, industrial fabrication, barge mending, pier side repairs as well as hauling vessels out of the water for underwater repairs to equipment such as propellers, tailshafts, rudders, keel coolers and hull plating.
