Dutch offshore contractor Heerema Marine Contractors said on Friday it has been assigned to help build the first and largest commercial offshore wind farm in the United States.
Situated 14 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, the 800-megawatt (MW) Vineyard Wind project is the nation's first utility-scale offshore wind energy project. It is expected to come online in 2021.
Heerema said its contract includes the offshore transport and installation (T&I) of 84 foundations consisting of monopiles and transition pieces and appurtenant ESP platforms in the Northeast of the US near Martha's Vineyard. The construction is planned to start next year.
Another Dutch company, Sif, said it has been contracted to build the monopiles for the project.
"This project fits perfectly into Heerema's agenda to participate in innovative and sustainable projects," said Heerema CEO Koos-Jan van Brouwershaven.
"As an experienced offshore contractor, Heerema is continuously seeking opportunities to further strengthen our position in the international offshore market through innovation, proactivity and reliability. We expect that more of these exiting projects will follow in the nearby future."