JDR and McAllister Form US Offshore Wind Pact

JDR Cable Systems (JDR) and McAllister Towing have established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development and collaborative operation of a US East Coast Offshore Wind subsea power cable service base with an integrated cable training center.

This new facility is being targeted to be developed on an existing McAllister quayside waterfront property in the northeastern United States.

The site has been selected due to its proximity to the current offshore wind leases, JDR said. Initially this base will serve as a staging area for subsea power cables to enable local storage, maintenance and deployment to the offshore wind fields.

Longer term plans include the establishment of office, storage, workshop and training facilities to develop offshore high voltage electrical and fiber optic competencies to the local workforce.

“McAllister makes the perfect partner for JDR as their vessel and tug experiences will complement our strategy for development of services during the installation, commissioning, operating and decommissioning phases of this new industry,” David Nemetz, Director for the Americas at JDR, said.

”Establishing this first of its kind service facility in the US market will provide additional value for our customers thanks to the experience of our employees in the field of production, technology, and services. This facility aims at developing local personnel and providing jobs for both professional and technician personnel. I am convinced our joint venture will bring significant benefits to anyone interested in wind-related development of the East Coast of the USA.”

As the US offshore wind industry matures, this service base will transition to become the JDR Offshore Wind Life of Field Service Center, JDR said. Some of the services to be provided will be asset management services, capital spare cable storage, preservation and maintenance as well as the JDR life of field service headquarters for the US Offshore wind market.

The launch of the project is under development. At this moment, the location was chosen and the implementation stages were approved. The legal and administrative formulas are being completed.

Buckley McAllister, President at McAllister Towing, said: “Offshore windfarm development is a new industry for New England. While maritime logistics and project operations have always been part of our business, JDR Cables brings vast experience in subsea installations that are otherwise unavailable to customers in the area. We are proud to be able to work with a company of their global reputation and capability in this fast-evolving business.”