Singapore-based Seatrium has received a notice of termination for Maersk Offshore Wind’s wind turbine installation vessel that was scheduled to be deployed at the USA’s Empire Wind 1 project.
The contract had a total value of approximately USD475 million and, as of October 10, the project was 98.9 percent completed.
It was intended to work alongside a pair of articulated tug-and-barge (ATB) sets – also under construction for Maersk by Bollinger Shipyards. Maersk spoke to HLPFI in the July/August edition of the magazine, confirming that the installation vessel was scheduled for delivery at the end of this year. The ATB feeder spreads are scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2026.
Combined, the tugs and installation vessel were meant to eliminate the need for dynamic stabilisation – representing a new approach for delivering turbine components for US projects. Other offshore wind projects already under way in the USA use conventional deck barges and tugs using stabilisation for transferring components to foreign-flag installation vessels.
Earlier this year, the Empire Wind 1 project had been delayed by more than a month due to a stop-work order issued by the US administration. The order was lifted about five weeks later, thanks in part to advocacy by marine industries and the New York state government, with work resuming offshore.
It remains to be seen whether the headwinds facing the offshore wind sector in the USA played a part in the termination decision, or how this latest development will impact the project.
For its part, Seatrium Energy (International) said that it is currently reviewing the validity of the notice of termination and evaluating its legal and commercial options in respect of the contract. This includes the right to contest the notice of termination, and/or to commence legal proceedings to seek all available remedies for wrongful termination.
The company said that it “will explore viable solutions, including with the end-customer, Empire Offshore Wind”.
