President Biden highlights Network member as OSW vessel construction gets underway

Network members are making history! Last week I joined President Joe Biden at the construction kickoff for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC 's new subsea rock installation (SRI) vessel — the first of its kind to be designed and constructed in the US.

Work is getting underway at Philly Shipyard in Pennsylvania where the low-emissions, Jones Act-compliant vessel will be constructed using union labor and materials from companies in Pittsburgh, Indiana, and other communities across the US. This project is truly a win for offshore wind, as well as the broader US port, shipbuilding, and manufacturing sectors.

The Acadia, which will be the second-largest offshore wind vessel built in the US, is the direct result of 130-year-old, American-born Great Lakes Dredge seizing the opportunity to invest nearly $300 million in the US offshore wind market and spur the creation of more than 275 full-time jobs. At a moment in time when the world is closely watching the US ramp up its offshore wind supply chain, it’s thrilling to witness this major achievement and reflect on all that has led up to it.

As CEO of the Network, I am incredibly proud of our member company and 2022 Ventus Award-winner, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, and so thankful to be leading an organization that is making valuable industry connections, supplying critical education, and helping to pave the way for more shipbuilding investments across the country.

“It’ll be the first vessel of its kind that’s made in America — American-owned, American-operated. The rocks will come from American quarries, and will be loaded in American ports,” Biden said. “Steel for vessels is being made by the United States Steelworkers in Indiana, the engine will be made by United States Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers in Pittsburgh, and the crew is going to be American Mariners from Seafarers International Union.”

With a vessel of this massive size and economic impact, it’s only fitting we celebrate in a big way. Thank you to President Biden for bringing attention to this critical moment for US offshore wind. I look forward to seeing Acadia in the water installing subsea rock for the Empire Wind I and II wind farms, and many more beyond that.