Dutch offshore contractor Heerema has been contracted to help build the first commercial offshore wind farm in the United States. The Vineyard Wind project is the nation’s first utility-scale offshore wind energy project.

Situated 14 miles off the coast of Massachusetts in the Northeast of the US near the island of Martha’s Vineyard, this project will “cost-competitive” energy for over 400,000 homes and businesses, while reducing carbon emissions by over 1.6 million tons per year.

The contract for Heerema comprises in the offshore transport and installation of 84 foundations consisting of monopiles and transition pieces and appurtenant ESP platforms.

CEO Koos-Jan van Brouwershaven says he is excited about the contract: “We are extremely proud to be part of the first and largest commercial offshore wind project in the United States. This project fits perfectly into Heerema’s agenda to participate in innovative and sustainable projects. We expect that more of these exciting projects will follow in the nearby future.”

The construction is expected to start next year and the wind farm is scheduled to be operational in 2021.