/Reuters Agency
The Singapore-based shipyard Seatrium reported that the Danish company Maersk canceled a $475 million contract for the construction of an almost completed vessel, which was intended to operate in a wind project off the coast of New York, United States.
The wind turbine installation vessel is 98.9% complete and was built to serve Equinor’s Empire Wind project, according to a statement from Seatrium.
“Maersk Offshore Wind can confirm that it has terminated its construction contract with Seatrium Energy (International) Pte. Ltd. (formerly Sembcorp Marine Rigs & Floaters Pte. Ltd.) in Singapore for the construction of a wind turbine installation vessel, due to delays and issues related to the construction,” Maersk reported.
Seatrium’s shares fell 6.5% on the Singapore stock exchange following the announcement, which is the latest sign of difficulties in the US offshore wind industry, which the administration of US President Donald Trump has promised to stop.
Empire Wind was caught up in Trump’s attack on offshore wind power earlier this year, when his administration issued a one-month work suspension order on the project.
Seatrium reported that it was evaluating its options regarding the vessel, including together with Empire Wind. It also stated that it could take legal action for the termination of the contract. The company did not immediately respond to an inquiry about whether Maersk had paid for the work already completed.
Equinor indicated that it was considering its alternatives. “We have been informed by Maersk about an issue related to their contract with Seatrium, linked to the wind turbine installation vessel originally contracted by Empire Offshore Wind LLC to be used in 2026. We are currently evaluating the implications of this matter and considering the available options,” the entity noted.
