A Jones Act-compliant Subsea Rock Installation Vessel, the first such ship to enter the US market, is to be built to ABS Class by Philly Shipyard for the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company (GLDD).
The vessel will transport and strategically deposit loads of up to 20,000t of rock on the seabed, laying scour protection for offshore wind farm foundations, cables and other structures. It will be awarded the ABS SUSTAIN-2 Notation, recognising adherence to certain UN Sustainable Development Goals related to vessel design, outfitting and layout. The ABS SUSTAIN Notations establish a pathway for sustainability certification and reporting.
ABS has supported the project since 2020, most recently with review of the 140.5m basic design. The vessel will install EPA Tier 4 engines and plug-in capability to obtain power from shore while loading. The vessel will be able to run on biofuel, which reduces the ship’s CO2 footprint and is equipped with active emissions control technology to reduce NOx emissions to a minimum. The installed battery pack will shave peak loads to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Matt Tremblay, ABS VP Global Offshore, said: “This will be a critical asset in the development of the US offshore wind market and ABS is proud to be able to support its development. ABS is the ideal partner for a highly specialised Jones Act project such as this, not only thanks to our extensive knowledge of US regulations but our deep involvement with the entire offshore wind supply chain here in the US, where we are headquartered, and internationally, with our global team.”
Lasse Petterson, President and CEO, GLDD, said: “This contract, valued at approximately US$ 197m, marks a milestone for our company, the US offshore wind industry and our nation. Offshore wind will play a crucial role in helping the US meet its decarbonisation and clean energy goals. The unique, technologically advanced vessel we are constructing is an essential step towards building the marine infrastructure required for this new industry, which holds so much promise for our nation economically and environmentally.”
Thomas Grunwald, VP and lead manager of US offshore wind strategy and business development, Philly Shipyard, said: “Philly Shipyard is proud to contribute to the delivery of a vessel which will be essential in achieving the nation’s ambitious offshore wind targets. It is monumental for our shipyard to win this contract for Great Lakes.”
The Subsea Rock Installation Vessel is the latest asset designed specifically for US operations to be built to ABS Class. Charybdis, the first Jones Act-compliant WTIV is now under construction to ABS Class. The first US-flagged Jones Act offshore wind farm service operation vessel (SOV) ever ordered will be built to ABS Class. These vessels will join the first ABS-classed crew transfer vessel (CTV) in the US, Windserve Odyssey. ABS has also issued AIPs for a series of wind support vessels from European designers.
