Giant crane ship SSCV Thialf waits in RI waters on the way to Empire Wind

The SSCV Thialf, the world’s second-largest crane ship, has made a notable entrance into Narragansett Bay, drawing significant attention since its arrival on May 26. This massive vessel is set to play a crucial role in the construction of the Empire Wind offshore wind farm, which aims to generate power for approximately 500,000 homes. The Thialf’s presence marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing development of renewable energy projects in the Northeast.

SSCV Thialf’s Role in Empire Wind Project

The SSCV Thialf is not just a remarkable sight; it is a key player in the construction of the Empire Wind offshore wind farm, located off the coast of New York. This project has recently been in the spotlight due to a temporary stop-work order issued by the Trump administration on April 16, which was lifted on May 19. The Thialf, operated by Heerema Marine Contractors, embarked on its journey from Rotterdam on April 1 and arrived in Narragansett Bay after waiting out the work stoppage in Canada.

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With a capacity of 816 megawatts, the Empire Wind project is designed to supply clean energy to around 500,000 homes. Prior to the halt, construction was already 30% complete, and the Thialf’s arrival signals a resumption of work. The vessel is currently anchored in a sheltered area of the bay, which is often used by large ships for staging and preparing for construction activities in the region. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has now cleared the way for construction to continue, allowing the Thialf to begin its critical tasks.

Upcoming Tasks and Timeline for the Thialf

Originally launched in 1985, the SSCV Thialf was the largest semi-submersible crane vessel in the world until the introduction of the SSCV Sleipnir in 2019. The Thialf boasts an impressive lifting capacity of up to 14,200 metric tons and holds a record for lifting the topsides of Shell’s Shearwater natural gas platform in the North Sea.

In its current mission, the Thialf will utilize its cranes to install monopile foundations into the seafloor, which will support the 54 wind turbines planned for the Empire Wind project. Additionally, it will assist in constructing the latticework foundation for an offshore substation that will facilitate the transmission of power to the mainland.

As the Thialf completes its mobilization in Narragansett Bay, preparations are underway for foundation installation. Unionized construction laborers are being brought on board, and the Coast Guard is conducting final safety checks. The vessel is expected to depart for the project site, located approximately 15 miles south of Long Island, by June 1, with foundation installation commencing shortly thereafter.