US offshore wind contracting newcomer Kalypso is pressing ahead with plans to build America’s first Jones Act-compliant cable laying vessel.
The New York-based outfit, led by DEME’s former project manager Colin Smith, has signed a letter of intent with Dutch shipbuilder Royal IHC for a 5,000-ton CLV that would be built in the US and brought to market in 2028.
“Kalypso’s CLV will enhance the nation’s offshore energy prospects and foster local economic growth,” said Smith.
Royal IHC chief executive Derk te Bokkel added that the development of the CLV “is a significant milestone for Royal IHC and the offshore wind sector in the US.”
The two companies said they will continue collaborating to finalise the contract, engineering, and construction details of the vessel.
Commenting on the deal, John Begala, vice president of state and pederal policy at the Oceantic Network, noted that cable installation and repair are critical, but often overlooked, functions to the offshore wind industry and that the US “must upgrade its capabilities for state and federal deployment targets to be met”.
