AEG plans to build US offshore wind vessel fleet, port facilities

Aeolus Energy Group (AEG) plans a "major expansion" in the emerging US offshore wind market, including the construction of vessels and port facilities, the Orlando, Florida-based specialist in wind turbine maintenance and repair said on Tuesday.

The company intends to build a Jones Act compliant construction fleet consisting of jack-up vessels that can install 10-MW and 12-MW turbines, cable ships, service operations vessels, and crew transfer vessels and helicopters. It also plans to build port facilities in Massachusetts and Maryland.

The expansion is expected to create 4,000 jobs in the coming years.

AEG chief executive Elia Golfin said the investment is a demonstration of confidence in the US offshore wind market, where the initial projects are well into their development.

"We are pleased to see specific investment in US offshore wind supply chain," Jason Folsom, head of sales for Siemens Gamesa Offshore Americas, said, adding that AEG's investment is a big step in localising a new energy industry in the US that represents a major opportunity for jobs and economic growth.

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