'Cancelled' Empire Wind vessel row heads for London showdown
Shipbuilder Seatrium says it still plans to deliver $475m ship for Equinor project but buyer files notice of arbitration
The dispute over last-minute cancellation of a $475m offshore wind installation vessel could be heading for a showdown in London after its buyer filed a notice of arbitration with shipbuilder Seatrium.
Seatrium today said it told Maersk Offshore Wind within days of receiving the notice of termination that it rejected it and was talking to its lawyers – and that it will deliver the vessel by 30 January.
Denmark-based Maersk Offshore Wind subsequently sent a notice of arbitration “in London to be conducted in accordance with the current London Maritime Arbitrators Association terms”, said Seatrium.
Seatrium “is taking legal advice and will vigorously prosecute its position and defend any claims that may be brought by the buyer”.
Maersk Offshore Wind previously said the contract was cancelled “due to delays and related construction issues”.
Equinor – which is building Empire Wind off New York – said it was examining its options when news of the cancellation emerged.
The 800MW Empire Wind 1, due in service in 2027, has been at the centre of Donald Trump’s war on wind power.
Maersk Offshore Wind's WIV concept was developed as an effective way to deploy turbines under the restrictions of the US Jones Act.
The Jones Act restricts foreign-flagged vessels from calling in at consecutive US ports or points on the outer continental shelf, including a wind turbine foundation.
The Maersk WIV would employ a unique system that would lock feeder barges to the vessel, allowing for faster and safer delivery of components. Maersk claimed its system would cut installation time by 30-35% when the vessel was announced in 2022.
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