HOUSTON, TEXAS - Zentech Inc. and Renewables Resources International (RRI) are pleased to announce to the United States Offshore Wind Industry the build of the first Jones Act compliant, four legged, self-propelled Dynamically-Positioned Level 2 (DP2) Jack-up Vessel based on a US-built barge. Zentech plans to install four truss legs with spud cans, a proven oil & gas design, integrated in a newly built hull.

This vessel will provide the now evolving US Offshore Wind Industry with a much needed and cost competitive marine logistic solution, converting a Jones Act compliant asset aligned with the conclusions from the European offshore wind learning curve. The vessel will also act as an Oil & Gas Crane Jack-Up for Decommissioning in 300-ft water depths when not in service for installing and/or maintaining wind turbines.

The Jones Act vessel is designed to navigate the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier and will carry and install in this configuration components for at least three complete 6-9 megawatt (MW) range wind turbines. The vessel’s jacking system will be rated at a capacity of 16,000 tons, extending the unit’s service life.

With evolving innovation, up to four 8MW range, fully assembled wind turbines can be installed using a patented cantilever package. The installation mechanism will be able to align the fully assembled wind turbines to the smallest degree of required accuracy; whether that is a translational or a rotational requirement. Using its innovative concept, the vessel will have the mechanism to enhance its stability to carry fully assembled wind turbines for anticipated 10MW or higher capacity wind turbines.

“This is another defining moment in the evolution of Zentech as one of the world’s leading designers and turnkey providers of advanced offshore solutions. Renewable Resources International’s extensive renewable energy industry knowledge and firsthand experience with the nation’s first offshore wind farm, coupled with the innovative designs and problem solving mindset of Zentech Inc, will be a powerful combination providing optimal solutions for the marine installation of Offshore Wind Farms in the US,” said Ramesh Maini, President and CEO of Zentech, Inc.

“With larger scale offshore wind projects following Block Island, the US market requires forward looking marine logistics, such as Zentech’s competitive, Jones Act compliant jack-up installation vessel,” commented Andy Geissbuehler, Managing Partner of Renewable Resources International. “US made, domestically accessible and designed in concert with the advanced European offshore wind industry, this vessel conversion is another example of the important role the US Oil & Gas Industry will play in accelerating the US offshore wind industry.”

The deployment of a U.S. flagged vessel is a positive sign and a step in the right direction for the offshore wind industry in the U.S.,” said Thomas Brostrøm, President of DONG Energy North America. ”This will help in the creation of a sustainable supply chain that includes several suppliers and we welcome initiatives such as this from serious market players in the industry.”

The unit will be constructed utilizing US-built components such as barge, legs, spud cans and propulsion. In addition to enabling a competitive solution addressing the offshore wind industry’s Jones Act challenge, this US built vessel will contribute to the revival of the nation’s shipbuilding industry and port infrastructure.

Renewable Resources International LLC is a Virginia-based firm, drawing from significant commercial, technical and operational experience in the global energy business – primarily in EPC project execution, strategic sourcing, logistics and manufacturing – and is providing advisory services to advance expansion of the competitive European offshore wind industry to capture the growing US market opportunities, to enable strategic partnerships and reach industrial readiness along the US East Coast. Operational activities include to structure and implement effective, Jones Act compliant marine logistics and port/supply chain solutions for the US offshore wind industry.

Zentech Incorporated is a Houston, Texas based marine engineering and naval architecture firm specializing in the offshore oil and gas and renewable energy industries. This vessel will add to company’s current vessels – a Jones Act Compliant SWATH Vessel and another four (4) Legged self-propelled, DP2 capable Multi-service Jack-Up currently under construction. The company has more than thirty-nine (39) years of experience in providing innovative engineering solutions, and employs a professional staff of over 180 in six (6) international locations. Zentech’s expertise encompasses dynamically positioned semi-submersibles, drill-ships, jack-up drilling units, modular platform drilling rigs, barge rigs, fixed offshore platforms, floating production systems, risers and pipelines.