CSO Engineering has completed the construction of the deep-water berth at the New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal following a 12-month project at the US offshore wind hub.
The purpose-built site, previously home to the Cannon Street Coal Power Station, is undergoing extensive redevelopment to become a new marine terminal for US offshore wind projects. With a host of transport, installation, and operations and maintenance projects in the pipeline off the East Coast, New Bedford will become a key support centre for the US transition towards clean energy.
“The opening of the new deep-water berth at North Star Pier is a significant moment in the development of US offshore wind,” said Matt Thomas, Engineering Director at CSO Engineering. “The new berth will support the numerous construction and O&M projects off the New England coast with vital services that only a local, purpose-built port can provide.”
CSO Engineering worked alongside CSO Marine Group sister company, Offshore Operations, to provide an operational consultancy and project management solution focused on improving efficiencies at NBFMT. The project team spent 12 months working with stakeholders up and down the supply chain to ensure the new deep-water berth is fit for purpose and will safely handle the expected volume of marine traffic at the pier. The construction project continues into an uplands development phase of the project, including the installation of sub-surface utilities, terminal operations centre and a floating pontoon.
“This project proves that collaboration between US terminals and UK offshore specialists can be incredibly effective,” said Matt Thomas. “We look forward to working with other ports and harbours to continue the positive progress and expansion of offshore wind in the US.”
Joel Whitman, President of Foss Offshore Wind, said, “This is an important milestone for Foss Offshore Wind and the US offshore wind market in general. This facility is ideally suited to support the growing demand for offshore wind Operations and Maintenance. We look forward to continuing to be part of the New Bedford community and this burgeoning industry. Over the last year, CSO Engineering has redefined New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal and driven the new solution to completion of the berth.”
CSO Engineering are part of the CSO Marine Group, the integrated strategic solutions provider for the offshore energy and marine renewables sectors. Other companies in the Group include CSO Shipbrokers, a vessel chartering, sale and purchase and market intelligence brokerage, and Offshore Operations, providing specialist offshore personnel and strategic and operational support to the offshore energy and renewables market.