The service operations vessel ECO Liberty was christened in New Orleans June 28 before its deployment this summer to Equinor’s Empire Wind project off New York.
Built by Edison Chouest Offshore, the 262’ hybrid-powered SOV will be offshore quarters for 60 workers for the 810-MW wind energy project. Empire Wind was shut down for a month by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, then suddenly revived in May with a deal for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration to cooperate on natural gas pipelines.
At the ECO Liberty christening, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, leaders from Equinor and Edison Chouest spoke, as Louisiana first lady Sharon Landry served as the vessel’s “godmother” during the ceremony on the Mississippi River at the Port of New Orleans. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell declared June 28 as “ECO Liberty Day.”
“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.”
Offshore wind advocates portray their industry as a future boon to Gulf coast ship building – the political rivalry between renewable and fossil fuel industries notwithstanding.
“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,” according to Equinor. “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 ECO Liberty will be homeported at New York’s South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, where Equinor has employed more than 2,000 workers to build the Empire Wind staging facility, O&M base, and control center. At sea the ECO Liberty will support ongoing marine construction in the lease area and eventually serve as the offshore hotel accommodations Empire Wind skilled workers.
“Including the ECO Liberty, seven new US-flagged vessels will be added to the U.S. Jones Act compliant fleet, because of Empire Wind,” according to Equinor.
Opponents of the Empire Wind project, including New York and New Jersey seaside homeowners and commercial fishermen, were shocked at their sudden reversal of fortune by the Trump administration’s rescue of Equinor, and are continuing their fight in court.
