JDR Cables Begins Expansion into US Offshore Wind Market

This new facility is being targeted to be developed on an existing McAllister quayside waterfront property in the north eastern United States. The site has been selected due to its proximity to the current offshore wind leases and the enormous potential of the region in the use of renewable energy sources. Initially this base will serve as a staging area for subsea power cables to enable local storage, maintenance and deployment to the offshore wind fields. Longer term plans include the establishment of office, storage, workshop and training facilities to develop offshore high voltage electrical and fiber optic competencies to the local workforce.

As the US offshore wind industry matures, this service base will transition to become the JDR Offshore Wind Life of Field Service Center. Some of the services to be provided will be asset management services, capital spare cable storage, preservation and maintenance as well as the JDR life of field service headquarters for the US Offshore wind market.

David Nemetz, Director for the Americas at JDR, said: “Our partnership with McAllister is one of several critical steps JDR Cables has towards establishing our market leading presence in the US offshore wind market. McAllister makes the perfect partner for JDR as their vessel and tug experiences will complement our strategy for development of services during the installation, commissioning, operating and decommissioning phases of this new industry. Establishing this first of its kind service facility in the US market will provide additional value for our customers thanks to the experience of our employees in the field of production, technology, and services. This facility aims at developing local personnel and providing jobs for both professional and technician personnel. I am convinced our joint venture will bring significant benefits to anyone interested in wind-related development of the East Coast of the USA.”

Buckley McAllister, President at McAllister Towing, said “McAllister Towing is very excited to work with JDR Cables. Offshore windfarm development is a new industry for New England. JDR Cables expertise in manufacturing and service excellence will be in high demand as the offshore wind industry gets started in our region. While maritime logistics and project operations have always been part of our business, JDR Cables brings vast experience in subsea installations that are otherwise unavailable to customers in the area. We are proud to be able to work with a company of their global reputation and capability in this fast-evolving business.”

The launch of the project is under development. At this moment, the location was chosen and the implementation stages were approved. The legal and administrative formulas are being completed.

Capt. Gary Oliveira, Vice President and General Manager at McAllister Towing of Narragansett Bay, added: “JDR Cables has been very generous in sharing their knowledge of this industry with our crews. We look forward to working with them on the sustainable growth of the offshore wind as a renewable energy source.”