(NEW ORLEANS) — Equinor, the developer of Empire Wind, officially launched the service operations vessel ECO Liberty on June 28 for deployment in its New York offshore wind project, marking the culmination of a major investment in the U.S. shipbuilding industry. Louisiana First Lady Sharon Landry served as the vessel’s “godmother” during a christening ceremony on the Mississippi River at the Port of New Orleans.
Speakers at the event included Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, along with leaders from Equinor and Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO). A proclamation signed by New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell declaring June 28 as ECO Liberty Day was presented during the ceremony.
The American-made ECO Liberty was built by Edison Chouest Offshore by more than 500 Louisianans and showcases the critical role of Gulf Coast manufacturing companies in strengthening the supply chain for offshore energy. The vessel was built with American steel and includes components from companies in several Gulf Coast states.
“The ECO Liberty showcases the positive impact Empire Wind is having on the American economy,” said Molly Morris, president of Equinor Renewables Americas. “Equinor is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Louisiana’s world-class shipbuilding industry as we support the Trump administration’s efforts to expand U.S. vessel manufacturing. This vessel reflects how offshore wind can create durable, high-quality jobs while building out a homegrown energy supply chain.”
The 262-foot hybrid-powered ECO Liberty will soon depart for New York, where it will be home-ported at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal. More than 2,000 workers there are constructing a next-generation staging facility, operations and maintenance base, and control center for Empire Wind.
ECO Liberty will be deployed to support ongoing marine construction in the lease area and eventually serve as the floating home for Empire Wind’s skilled workers when stationed offshore. Including ECO Liberty, seven new U.S.-flagged vessels will be added to the U.S. Jones Act fleet because of Empire Wind.
The Empire Wind site is located 15 to 30 miles southeast of Long Island and spans 80,000 acres, with water depths of between 75 and 135 feet. The 810-megawatt offshore energy project draws broadly on the domestic and international supply chain and is creating thousands of jobs across the United States. Empire Wind will provide enough electricity to power 500,000 New York homes.
– Empire Wind
