The ECO Edison, America’s first purpose-built, Jones Act-compliant offshore wind service vessel, has begun operations out of Brooklyn’s South Brooklyn Marine Terminal to service the South Fork Wind farm off Long Island. This 64-meter vessel, built by Edison Chouest Offshore at a cost of $80 million, represents a significant milestone for the domestic offshore wind industry, creating approximately 70 American maritime jobs. The vessel can transport up to 60 technicians and crew to maintain the turbines at South Fork Wind, the nation’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm. The timing of this achievement is notable as it coincides with the Trump administration’s announcement of new policies scaling back federal support for offshore wind development. Industry experts suggest the ECO Edison demonstrates the economic benefits and job creation potential of the offshore wind sector, with the vessel incorporating specialized features for the harsh Atlantic environment while providing comfortable accommodations for crews during multi-week deployments. Despite policy uncertainty, Ørsted and other developers emphasize that existing projects like South Fork Wind will continue operating and creating jobs for American maritime workers. More information can be found here.
