Built in Louisiana, Bound for New York: Offshore Wind Is Our Next Big Opportunity

Image provided courtesy of Equinor

Governor Landry said it best at last week’s vessel christening: the innovation and expertise driving offshore energy technology around the world is being built in South Louisiana. “The technology, the ingenuity, the ability to tackle the seas, to be able to put structure in the oceans, not only in the Gulf of America, but around the world, has been complemented, has been innovated right here.” As a Louisiana native, I’m  incredibly proud that our state built one of the new U.S.-flagged vessels commissioned to support offshore wind projects, part of a nearly 2 billion dollar investment that's strengthening America's offshore energy future. 

Built by Edison Chouest, the ECO Liberty is a service operations vessel set to house the technicians servicing an offshore wind project in New York. The vessel is a powerful example of how Louisiana can lead in emerging technologies while diversifying our economy for the long term. Indeed, this isn’t the first vessel built in Louisiana to support the offshore wind sector - the ECO Edison was officially christened last year at a ceremony attended by U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and his wife Jennifer.   

At the ECO Liberty christening, I learned that over 1.5 million man-hours were put in by welders, carpenters, electricians, painters, project managers, and engineers, most of whom call Louisiana home. These skilled workers not only delivered the first U.S.-flagged hybrid service operations vessel, but they also brought America one step closer to energy independence. Their work supports the growing domestic offshore wind industry and helps meet the urgent need for more U.S.-based manufacturing.

State and federal decisions have a direct impact on the people of Louisiana. The ECO Liberty was specifically designed to meet the need for Jones Act-compliant vessels to service the growing offshore wind industry. As the ECO Liberty demonstrates, Louisiana is uniquely positioned to benefit from this emerging sector—thanks to our deep roots in both shipbuilding and in energy. With the right mix of policy support that values all domestic energy opportunities, Louisiana can continue to lead in this evolving landscape. With shifting priorities at the federal level, our state lawmakers must step up to protect emerging energy industries, and the economic opportunities they bring to residents and businesses. As Governor Landry witnessed, Louisiana’s skilled workers are capable of tackling new and innovative projects. Let’s make sure we’re giving them even more opportunities to do so.  

Karla Frias-Romaine is a Senior Program Associate at the Southeastern Wind Coalition.