Vessel operators Fred. Olsen, Seacor team up for US offshore wind market

Fred. Olsen Windcarrier AS, a unit of Norway's Bonheur ASA (OSL:BON), and Falcon Global LLC, a subsidiary of US-based Seacor Marine Holdings Inc (NYSE:SMHI), have agreed to partner in the US offshore wind market, the companies said on Thursday.

According to the announcement, the combination of Falcon Global's fleet of Jones-Act compliant lift boats and Fred. Olsen Windcarrier's fleet of wind turbine installation vessels will result in a marine spread able to install the largest turbines in the market. The Falcon Global vessels will form a feeder-solution of up to four vessels depending on installation parametres, the companies said. The vessel spread will also allow access to existing ports and infrastructure.

Falcon Global and Fred. Olsen Windcarrier partnered in the installation of the five-turbine Block Island offshore wind farm, the first in the US, in 2016.

The companies said the agreement will enable them to offer efficient and cost effective services to the upcoming US offshore wind farms.

"This agreement is not only the first significant announcement for our investment in Falcon Global, but also a major milestone for SEACOR Marine, as we continue to implement our strategy of diversifying our customer base outside of oil and gas markets, and expanding in windfarm services where we already have a substantial presence with Windcat Workboats in Europe," commented Seacor president and chief executive John Gellert.

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