Block Island Wind Crew Transfer Contract Awarded

Agreement enables high-speed catamaran ferry company Rhode Island Fast Ferry to commission first US-built crew transfer vessel, to be built by Blount Boats, and launch Atlantic Wind Transfers, its commercial wind support services division.

This long-term charter services agreement is the first deal of its kind to be signed in the United States and marks another milestone in the development and deployment of US offshore wind. Expectations within the North American offshore wind market have escalated in recent months, and this exclusive first charter services deal provides further tangible proof of the benefits and commercial potential that the wind sector can deliver.

“We are very excited to be a part of this offshore wind farm project and to work with Deepwater Wind. Launching Atlantic Wind Transfers and building the first crew transfer vessel in the Unites States with local company Blount Boats is not only good for the State of Rhode Island, but it will also provide for future growth and enhance the capabilities of our company in the US offshore energy sector,” said Charles A. Donadio, Jr., President, Rhode Island Fast Ferry.

As part of the charter agreement with Deepwater Wind Block Island, LLC, a subsidiary of Deepwater Wind, Rhode Island Fast Ferry (Atlantic Wind Transfers) will build a dedicated wind turbine transfer vessel and develop a training program for its transfer services crew. Rhode Island Fast Ferry will invest more than $4 million to build the vessel and provide training to meet the needs of the Block Island Wind Farm. The construction of the transfer vessel is being undertaken by local Rhode Island shipyard, Blount Boats, where the contract will secure employment for 70 workers throughout the 12-month build. 

Rhode Island Fast Ferry’s subsidiary brand, Atlantic Wind Transfers, will provide crew and equipment support during the construction phase of the Block Island Wind Farm, beginning in Spring 2016. Following completion of the 30MW 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 lifecycle of the first US offshore wind farm project.

An official keel laying ceremony at Blount Boats in Rhode Island, where the workboat will be officially inaugurated, is planned for later this summer.