Maersk’s first next-generation wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV), Maersk Viridis , has sailed out of Singapore and is on its way to the US, where it will install turbines on Equinor’s Empire Wind 1 offshore wind farm, under construction in the US federal waters off New York.
According to Maersk Offshore Wind, the WTIV sailed out of Singapore on 26 March.
Equinor-owned Empire Offshore Wind signed a charter agreement for the vessel in 2022, under which the newly built vessel will deliver the installation of wind turbines by a Jones Act-compliant spread.
According to information shared in 2022, the WTIV will be supported by tugs and barges constructed and operated by Kirby Offshore Wind, which will transport the wind turbine components from the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal to the Empire Wind lease area.
Maersk Viridis was delivered to its owner in late February 2026 from Seatrium’s Tuas Boulevard Yard in Singapore, after completing sea trials and readiness checks, and was officially named on 12 March.
The WTIV is designed to install 15+ MW offshore wind turbines and features a 1,900‑tonne crane with 180‑metre hook height.
Empire Wind 1, located 25-48 kilometres (15-30 miles) southeast of Long Island, will comprise 54 Vestas 15 MW wind turbines and is planned to produce first power in late 2026, with full commissioning in 2027.
The 810 MW offshore wind farm has a contract with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to deliver electricity for New York and is the first offshore wind farm to connect to New York City’s grid.