RI Fast Ferry Signs Block Island Crew Transfer Contract

Rhode Island Fast Ferry has signed a 20-year crew transfer contract with Deepwater Wind for Block Island offshore wind farm.

As part of the charter agreement Atlantic Wind Transfers, Rhode Island Fast Ferry’s subsidiary, will invest over $4 million to build the vessel and provide training to meet the needs of the Block Island Wind Farm. The construction of the transfer vessel is being undertaken by local Rhode Island shipyard, Blount Boats, where the contract will secure employment for 70 workers throughout the 12-month build.

“We are very excited to be a part of this offshore wind farm project and to work with Deepwater Wind. Launching Atlantic Wind Transfers and building the first crew transfer vessel in the Unites States with local company Blount Boats is not only good for the State of Rhode Island, but it will also provide for future growth and enhance the capabilities of our company in the US offshore energy sector,” said Charles A. Donadio, Jr., President, Rhode Island Fast Ferry.

Rhode Island Fast Ferry’s subsidiary brand, Atlantic Wind Transfers, will provide crew and equipment support during the construction phase of the Block Island Wind Farm, beginning in Spring 2016. Following completion of the 30MW five-turbine site, work will move into operations and maintenance support, to encompass a scheduled maintenance program as well as any additional crew transfer support required throughout the 20-year lifecycle of the first US offshore wind farm project.

“We’re excited to partner with two veteran Rhode Island companies that will bring their decades of experience to supporting our Block Island Wind Farm,” said Jeffrey Grybowski, Deepwater Wind CEO. “Most importantly, this will mean more jobs in the marine trades for Rhode Islanders and another way that the Ocean State will lead the growth of this new American offshore wind industry.”

An official keel laying ceremony at Blount Boats in Rhode Island, where the workboat will be officially inaugurated, is planned for later this summer.