Crowley and Esvagt sign SOV development JVs

Crowley Wind Services PETER LYTZEN, ESVAGT AND JEFF ANDREINI, VP CROWLEY WIND SERVICES
Florida-based Crowley Maritime and Denmark’s Esvagt have signed joint venture agreements to support purpose-built Jones Act vessel development and availability for US offshore wind production.

The latest agreements follow those signed in 2021 and will support the two companies’ joint efforts for service operation vessels (SOVs) with a focus on financial and development efficiencies in the vessel development process between the companies.

The venture was created to develop a best-in-class design and deliver wind-dedicated, US flag SOVs. Crowley will own and operate the vessels which will be crewed with US mariners, while Crowley and Esvagt will share in the financials of the venture.

“The enhancement of this venture will help bring these important service operation vessels to the US offshore wind market to meet the nation’s clean, sustainable energy demands,” said Jeff Andreini, vice president, Crowley Wind Services. “As we increase our organisations’ shared capabilities, we will help propel the continued growth of maritime and logistics solutions to help solve the nation’s vessel capacity demands in a responsible and sustainable way.”

A pioneer of the SOV concept in Europe, Esvagt has experience in safely transferring 250,000 people from SOVs to offshore wind farm installations.

“Esvagt is proud to be an active player supporting our customers in the green transition. Crowley and Esvagt share an ambition for a sustainable future, and we’re committed to take the lead in decarbonising the maritime industry,” says Esvagt CEO Peter Lytzen.

“We’re delighted and proud to be a first mover of emission-free SOVs and have ordered the first world e-methanol driven SOV to be delivered in 2024. Only through innovative solutions and commercial courage it is possible to overcome the threatening climate change,” he said.