The following is text of a news release from Aeolus Energy Group:
(ORLANDO, Fla.) — Aeolus Energy Inc. has announced that it has signed an agreement with Ulstein Design & Solutions B.V. to design a service operations vessel (SOV). When constructed, the vessel will be Jones Act compliant and will serve as the initial Aeolus investment into a fleet of vessels including cable ships, crew transfer vessels and hotel ships, all designed to service the offshore wind industry from installation through decommissioning.
With this announcement, Aeolus is committing to construct each of its vessels at U.S. shipyards. The Aeolus fleet will be fully Jones Act compliant, ultimately consisting of vessels spanning the full range of offshore wind farm requirements. Currently such a fleet does not exist in the United States.
“The design and ultimate construction of these vessels will result in significant job creation and is a demonstration of confidence in the American shipbuilding industry,” said Elia Golfin, CEO of Aeolus Energy Inc. “We are excited to be working with Ulstein, an established market leader in vessel design for offshore wind. We look forward to pushing the envelope in the offshore wind industry where Jones Act-compliant vessels are concerned.”
Aeolus has contracted with Ulstein for its service operations vessel based upon Ulstein’s proven SX195 design. The vessel will be fully customized to Aeolus’ specifications, and will be constructed at U.S. shipyards.
“Ulstein is proud to have been selected as design partner by Aeolus for developing the United States’ first purpose-built SOV vessel,” said Tore Ulstein, deputy CEO of Ulstein. “With our track record in SOV designs and supporting yards worldwide in building our innovative designs, we are committed to support Aeolus and its chosen U.S. shipyards in realizing Aeolus’ new fleet development and jointly set the standard for excellent, Jones Act-compliant offshore wind vessels.”
