Heerema’s semisubmersible crane vessel (SSCV) Thialf has arrived in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, in preparation for its work on the Empire Wind 1 project, an offshore wind farm planned for federal waters off New York. The vessel departed Rotterdam on April 1 but was delayed due to a stop work order issued by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on April 16. The order was lifted on May 20, and the Thialf sailed to Narragansett Bay, arriving on May 26.
The Thialf is currently stationed in the bay due to its sheltered waters and easy access to the Northeast region. The vessel is expected to leave Rhode Island by June 1 and arrive at the New York project site shortly after. Once on site, the Thialf will use its cranes to install the monopile foundations for the 54 wind turbines planned for Empire Wind 1. Additionally, the vessel will be used to install the latticework foundation for the offshore substation that will transmit power to shore.
The Empire Wind 1 project, developed by Equinor, will feature 54 Vestas 15 MW turbines, which will be installed by the Maersk WIV, a wind installation vessel recently launched in Singapore. The project is expected to produce its first power in late 2026, with full commissioning in 2027. The Thialf’s arrival in Narragansett Bay marks a significant milestone in the project’s development, and its work on the project will play a crucial role in bringing the offshore wind farm online.
The use of the Thialf and other specialized vessels like the Maersk WIV demonstrates the complexity and scale of offshore wind farm construction. The project’s progress is being closely watched, as it is one of several large-scale offshore wind farms planned for the US East Coast. With the Thialf’s work on the project set to begin soon, the Empire Wind 1 project is moving closer to reality, and its completion will mark an important step forward for the US offshore wind industry.