Atlantic Pioneer, the first US-built offshore wind service vessel, was delivered to Atlantic Wind Transfers over the last weekend.
The 21-meter crew transfer vessel was built by the Rhode Island-based Blount Boats to service a 20-year crew transfer contract with Deepwater Wind for its 30MW Block Island offshore wind farm.
During the ceremony, Atlantic Pioneer crossed paths with the Big Max cable installation vessel in Quonset Davisville Piers. The Big Max will begin laying the undersea cable from Block island to the offshore wind platforms in the coming weeks, Rhode Island Fast Ferry, the parent company of Atlantic Wind Transfers, said.
Atlantic Wind Transfers, the first US offshore wind farm support company, invested over USD 4 million to build the vessel, expected to enter service in May 2016.
The company will also provide crew and equipment support during the construction phase of the Block Island OWF.
Following completion of the five-turbine site, work will move into operations and maintenance support, to encompass a scheduled maintenance program as well as any additional crew transfer support required throughout the 20-year life cycle of the first US offshore wind farm project.
Images: Rhode Island Fast Ferry