Stop work order lifted, Empire Wind offshore wind project resumes construction

The stop work order was issued on 16 April 2025 and BOEM rescinded the order on 20 May 2025, after pressure from US and Norwegian politicians. and the threat of legal action by Equinor. 

Responding, Equinor president and chief executive Anders Opedal said, “We appreciate the fact that construction can now resume on Empire Wind, a project which underscores our commitment to deliver energy while supporting local economies and creating jobs.

“I would like to thank the Trump administration for finding a solution that saves thousands of American jobs and provides for continued investments in energy infrastructure in the US. 

“I am grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul for her constructive collaboration with the Trump administration, without which we would not have been able to advance this project and secure energy for 500 000 homes in New York.

“We are very appreciative of New York City Mayor Adams, congressional leaders including Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Representative Garbarino, and Representative Goldman, as well as labour groups and other advocates that have maintained their steadfast support for the project.

“I would like to thank the Norwegian Prime Minister Støre and Minister of Finance Stoltenberg for their support at a critical time, and that the Minister of Finance raised the situation with the US administration.”

Equinor Wind president Molly Morris said, “This project delivers on the energy ambitions shared by the US and New York by providing a vital new source of power to the region. Empire Wind brings supply chain investments in states across the nation including New York, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas and South Carolina.”

Equinor will undertake an updated assessment of the project economics in the second quarter. Empire Offshore Wind aims to be able to execute planned activities in the offshore installation window in 2025 and reach its planned commercial operation date in 2027. It will engage with suppliers and regulatory bodies to reduce the impact of the stop work order.

After a competitive process, the US government first leased Empire a designated area of the outer continental shelf off the coast of New York in 2017. After an extensive environmental review process, the government approved the plan to build a commercial offshore windfarm in early 2024, after which construction started. Project financing was secured in 2024. The project is currently more than 30% complete.

Equinor noted the US is a core country for its portfolio, and since the early 2000s, it has invested approximately US$60BN in US energy projects.