With offshore wind energy taking off in the US, an industry association there has formed a committee representing shipowners and service providers
With offshore wind energy taking off in the US, and the need for vessels likely to grow quickly, an industry association there has formed a committee representing shipowners and service providers.
The Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) said the newly-formed OMSA Wind Committee would be open to all of its members and will focus heavily on the application of sometimes controversial Jones Act legislation in the offshore wind industry in the country.
OMSA president, Aaron Smith said, “Over the past 46 years, OMSA has done a tremendous job in promoting public policy that benefits the vessels, operators, and mariners engaged in the offshore oil and gas industry. As more OMSA members apply their expertise to the offshore wind market, it makes sense for OMSA to formalise our involvement in this sector.”
OMSA chairman and president of vessel owner Aries Marine, Court Ramsay said, “My company has already committed vessels, resources, and personnel to offshore wind and I look forward to working with fellow OMSA members on the OMSA Wind Committee to promote this market.”
The committee was created by a resolution unanimously adopted by OMSA’s board of directors. The board charged the committee with making recommendations about strategies and initiatives that will increase US maritime industry involvement in the offshore wind sector.
Mr Smith said the committee will work to ensure the laws and regulations governing offshore wind “are beneficial to the vessel operators and mariners that participate in this industry” and assist OMSA’s efforts to protect the Jones Act, “ensuring that US offshore wind infrastructure is constructed, serviced, and maintained in a Jones Act-compliant manner.”
Of the committee’s focus on the Jones Act, Mr Smith said, “The Jones Act was designed to foster, develop, and maintain a strong domestic merchant marine and shipbuilding industry. By ensuring that the Jones Act is properly applied to the US offshore wind industry, OMSA and the OMSA Wind Committee will help continue this important tradition.”
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