GLDD and Joe Biden2 web

Steel cutting for Subsea Rock Installation Vessel at Philly

On 20 July 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden attended the steel-cutting ceremony of the subsea rock installation (SRI) vessel 'Acadia', under construction at Philly Shipyard. Designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions B.V., this will be the first of its kind U.S.-built vessel.

Offshore wind will play a crucial role in helping the U.S. meet its decarbonisation goals, and Philly Shipyard is a part of it by constructing the SRI vessel. Owned by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company (GLDD), the 'Acadia' will be critical in building the future of the U.S. offshore wind energy industry, including establishing a U.S.-based rock supply chain network and helping reach the Biden administration's ambitious goal of 30 GW of offshore wind generation by 2030, which is estimated to service more than 10 million American homes.

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) rock installation vessel for the US offshore wind industry.

Offshore wind will play a crucial role in helping the U.S. meet its decarbonisation goals, and Philly Shipyard is a part of it by constructing the SRI vessel. Owned by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company (GLDD), the 'Acadia' will be critical in building the future of the U.S. offshore wind energy industry, including establishing a U.S.-based rock supply chain network and helping reach the Biden administration's ambitious goal of 30 GW of offshore wind generation by 2030, which is estimated to service more than 10 million American homes.

The vessel will install protective rock layers at offshore wind turbine foundations employing an inclined fall pipe system. Furthermore, its large and strong aft deck area makes the vessel a highly flexible asset to GLDD, enabling specialised subsea operations.

The SRI vessel is designed to carry up to 20,000 MT of rock. It will transport and strategically deposit these rocks to the ocean bottom, laying a foundation for the monopiles, which serve as the prevailing support structure for offshore wind turbines. The ship will have an overall length of 140.5 metres, a breadth of 34.1 metres, and crew accommodations for 45 people. 

GLDD and Joe Biden2 web
The U.S. President Joe Biden attended the steel-cutting ceremony of the Ulstein designed subsea rock installation (SRI) vessel under construction at Philly Shipyard.

Get in touch

Edwin van Leeuwen Ulstein 19 comp bw

Edwin van Leeuwen

Description
Managing Director
Affiliation
Ulstein Design & Solutions B.V.

Latest news

SX225 Ulstein Dec23 Cable Lay Ops SB Fore 2880px
Feature

Solving the cable laying challenge

In the vast expanse of offshore wind energy, cable-laying vessels are essential—the silent architects of our renewable future. As wind farms grow larger and more ambitious, the demand for efficient cable installations has intensified. Enter the ULSTEIN SX225, a vessel designed to tackle the challenges head-on.

Windea Leibniz Matthias Giebichenstein cmyk Per Eide
Feature

Dedication to offshore wind

Offshore wind energy generation is one means to reach international climate goals. Ulstein has developed offshore wind designs since 2006. The designs draw on our broad experience in oil and gas, and range from new turbine installation concepts to foundation installation vessels and service operation vessels.

Edwin van Leeuwen Ulstein 19 comp bw

Edwin van Leeuwen

Managing Director

Affiliation
Ulstein Design & Solutions B.V.