Royal IHC and Kalypso team up to build Jones Act cable laying vessel

April 15, 2024, by Adnan Durakovic

Kalypso Offshore Energy, an emerging contractor for the offshore wind industry in the US, has signed a Letter of Intent with Royal IHC to build America’s first Jones Act-compliant cable laying vessel (CLV) for the offshore wind market.

The collaboration between Kalypso and Royal IHC aims to fill a gap in the nation’s vessel capabilities and aims to domestically produce a 5,000-ton CLV.

”Kalypso is thrilled to partner with Royal IHC to design and deliver America’s first Cable Lay Vessel built on U.S. soil dedicated to offshore wind,” said Colin Smith, Managing Director of Kalypso.

”Kalypso’s CLV will enhance the nation’s offshore energy prospects and foster local economic growth.”

Kalypso’s CLV has been designed and constructed to meet Jones Act compliance standards, ensuring adherence to US legislation for domestic maritime trade. This vessel will offer cable lay services including installation, repair, and maintenance capabilities.

Derk te Bokkel, CEO of Royal IHC, said: “I take pride in leading a company capable of delivering this key contribution to the energy transition and energy security in America’s home market. The development of this CLV is a significant milestone for Royal IHC and the offshore wind sector in the U.S. We feel privileged to provide our added value to a knowledgeable pioneer such as Kalypso.”

Kalypso and Royal IHC said they will continue collaborating closely to finalize contract, engineering, and construction details.

”Cable installation and repair are critical, but often overlooked, functions to the offshore wind industry and the U.S. must upgrade our capabilities for state and federal deployment targets to be met,” said John Begala, Vice President of State and Federal Policy at the Oceantic Network, the leading nonprofit working to advance offshore wind and other ocean renewable industries.

”This investment and partnership demonstrate the attractiveness of the U.S. market and represent a significant maturation of our domestic supply chain.”