[By: ABS]

A Jones Act-compliant underwater rock installation vessel, the first such vessel to enter the US market, is to be built to ABS class by Philly Shipyard, Inc. (PSI) for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC (GLDD).

The vessel will strategically transport and deposit loads of up to 20,000 MT of rock to the seabed, laying scour protection for foundations, cables and other structures at offshore wind farms. It will receive an ABS SUSTAIN-2 rating, recognizing compliance with certain United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to ship design, equipment and fittings. ABS SUSTAIN ratings establish a pathway for sustainability certification and reporting.

ABS has supported the project since 2020, most recently with the 140.5 meter base design review. The vessel will install EPA Tier 4 engines and plug-in capability to obtain power from the dock while loading. The vessel will be able to run on biofuel, which reduces the vessel’s carbon footprint and is fitted with active emissions control technology to keep NOx emissions to a minimum. The installed battery pack will reduce peak loads to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

“It will be a key asset in the development of the US offshore wind market and ABS is proud to be able to support its development. ABS is the perfect partner for a highly specialized Jones Act project like this, not only with our in-depth knowledge of US regulations, but also our deep involvement with the entire offshore wind supply chain here in the States. United States, where we are headquartered, and internationally, with our global team,” said Matt Tremblay, ABS Vice President, Global Offshore.

“This contract, valued at approximately $197 million, marks a significant milestone for our company, the U.S. offshore wind industry, and our country,” said Lasse Petterson, president and CEO of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock. “Offshore wind will play a critical role in helping the United States achieve its decarbonization and clean energy goals. The unique and technologically advanced vessel we are building is an essential step towards building the maritime infrastructure needed for this new industry, which holds so much economic and environmental promise for our country.

“Philly Shipyard is proud to contribute to the delivery of a vessel that will be key to achieving the country’s ambitious offshore wind goals. It is monumental for our shipyard to win this contract for Great Lakes,” said Thomas Grunwald, Vice President and Senior Director of U.S. Offshore Wind Strategy and Business Development at Philly Shipyard.

The Rock Installation Vessel submarine is the latest asset designed specifically for US operations to be built to the ABS class. Charybdis, the first Jones Law compliant WTIV is currently being built for the ABS class. The first US-flagged Jones Act (SOV) offshore wind farm vessel ever ordered will be built to the ABS class. These vessels will join the first ABS-rated Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) in the United States, Windserve Odyssey. ABS has also issued AIPs for a series of wind support vessels from European designers.

The products and services described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.