Rotech Subsea Secures First Offshore Wind Contract in US

Aberdeen-based Rotech Subsea has secured a contract to provide inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) services on America’s first offshore wind farm – the Block Island Wind Farm off Rhode Island.

The contract, which is Rotech Subsea’s first in the US since its return to the sector, saw the subsea, trenching, and excavation specialist mobilise its next-generation RS2 system this week to complete de-burial and re-burial of a cable end off the Rhode Island coast. The company’s new RSGC cable grab and cutter tool will also be deployed.

”We have gained a lot of interest from the USA market and Rotech feel the timing is now right to service the West after establishing ourselves as market leader in Europe and the Far East again. Breaking back into the Americas for a major player in the subsea cable installation and maintenance sector is another milestone achievement,” said Director of Subsea, Stephen Cochrane.

”Our state-of-the-art RS2 CFE and Suspended Jet Trenching tool was selected for its high volume output performance, making it the optimal method for cable de-burial and re-burial due to its ability to fluidise and displace large amounts of sediment and subsea material with ease.”

The 30 MW Block Island wind farm comprises five GE Haliade 6 MW wind turbines installed off the Block Island and in operation since December 2016. The wind farm is owned and operated by Ørsted.