Bleutec Industries Offshore Wind Services LLC (Bleutec) has recently received approval for its Binary Marine Installation Solution (BMIS) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The design is specifically tailored for the U.S. offshore wind market and is compliant with the Jones Act.
The BMIS platform is described as an alternative to more expensive wind turbine installation vessels, consisting of a Pile Installation Vessel (PIV), Wind Turbine Installation Vessel Light (WTIVL), and Service Operations Vessels (SOVs). The vessels will be capable of installing turbines up to 22 MW and monopiles up to 4500T with a 15m diameter at U.S. offshore wind farms.
The BMIS utilizes innovative heavy lifting solutions, energy efficiency technologies, and a state-of-the-art dynamic positioning to ensure the safe and cost-efficient transportation and installation of offshore wind turbines.
The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, requires all vessels transporting goods between two U.S. ports to be built and owned by U.S. citizens, as well as crewed by U.S. citizens. The Jones Act is crucial for the development of the U.S. maritime industry, but it has posed a challenge for the offshore wind industry as there were no vessels designed specifically for the U.S. market.
Bleutec’s BMIS offers a solution that is compliant with the Jones Act and designed specifically for the U.S. offshore wind market. It’s modular design facilitates construction in U.S. shipyards, supporting U.S. maritime industry and the development of renewable energy sources.
“Along with our strategic partners, we hope to transform the offshore wind industry through our BMIS with the mission of becoming the premier provider of Jones Act transportation and installation for this market,” said Robin Bodtmann, Bleutec’s President & CEO. “This is a key milestone for the Company and Bleutec will continue to work closely with NETSCo and ABS to achieve class designation for the construction of our innovative system developed for the installation of clean energy in the U.S.”
NETSCo acted as the appointed naval architect and marine engineer on the project.
“This solution uses as its basis an American-made model incorporating simple design techniques from similar vessels already built and operating in the U.S.,” said Jan Flores, Vice President at NETSCo. “This is a significant development for offshore wind as it paves the way for the use of safe, efficient, cost effective Jones Act vessel solutions to this emergent industry.”
Bleutec has said previously that it expects the BMIS platform to be available for operations starting the early part of 2026.