Empire Energy Partners Offshore Division, known for its expertise in engineering, procurement, and construction for offshore wind projects, has announced a strategic joint venture with The Herrick Corporation, a top steel manufacturing and fabrication company. This partnership signifies a major advancement in strengthening the domestic offshore wind supply chain, highlighting both companies' dedication to promoting renewable energy in the United States.
According to Mike Milledge, Senior Director of Offshore Wind at Empire Energy Partners, this joint venture represents a pivotal milestone in efforts to bolster the U.S. offshore wind supply chain. As the sector expands rapidly, the necessity for robust domestic manufacturing and construction capabilities has never been more critical. The collaboration between Empire Energy Offshore and The Herrick Corporation aims to address this urgent demand by exploring the production of essential components such as monopiles, transition pieces, towers, and secondary steel for both fixed and floating offshore wind projects.
This joint venture is strategically designed to offer comprehensive solutions for the offshore wind industry. In addition to manufacturing key components, the partnership will investigate opportunities to develop facilities dedicated to creating wind turbine generator components, including nacelles, blades, and transition pieces. By merging Herrick's extensive steel production expertise with Empire Energy's EPC capabilities, the companies intend to provide end-to-end solutions that meet the evolving needs of offshore wind developers.
The collaboration aims to serve as a catalyst for innovation in domestic energy production. Milledge emphasizes that by integrating Herrick Corporation's leading steel manufacturing capabilities with their own expertise, the joint venture is well-positioned to support national renewable energy goals, emphasizing quality, scalability, and sustainability. Robert Hazleton, CEO of The Herrick Corporation, also notes that the ability to merge engineering, procurement, and fabrication at scale is vital for cost-effective domestic production of floating bases and monopiles.
