RE: "Pivotal moment" for offshore wind vessel orders6 Apr 2023 12:06
"UK shipbroker Clarksons believes that with offshore wind set for an unprecedented growth over the next seven years, a staggering $20 billion of investment is required globally to build 200 new ships if the wind industry is to meet its 2030 targets for offshore wind production. "
"Though gaps in the supply of vessels is great news for ship owners and yards, it is becoming a major bottleneck for developers, something that is causing prices to rise and making it difficult to secure favorable terms and conditions for projects.
The recent resurgence of oil & gas is also complicating the situation for offshore wind as vessel owners who had decided to utilize their tonnage in wind following the oil & gas price crash in 2014 are now once again using the vessels for their original purpose.
According to Clarksons, governments must step in and support investments in vessels, akin to what is happening in the U.S. where MARAD is offering financing for offshore wind vessel development. Wind farm developers must also commit to long-term contracts to support construction of new vessels, and green funding schemes can play a role by creating more favorable finance terms."