Partnership Powers a Fresh Offshore Wind Push

A new Nexans Crowley vessel boosts US subsea cable capacity and speeds offshore wind work

1 Aug 2025

America’s offshore wind sector is preparing for a new US-flagged cable-laying barge, developed by Nexans and Crowley Wind Services, in a move intended to expand domestic capacity for subsea power connections and reduce project delays.

The vessel is designed to install heavy export cables that link offshore wind farms to the onshore grid. Its expected use on projects such as Empire Wind off New York signals a push to rely less on foreign ships, which have faced scheduling and regulatory constraints. Developers have previously reported delays tied to limited access to international vessels.

Crowley executives said the partnership was intended to support long-term sector growth by creating a more dependable US-based fleet. They argue that additional domestic vessels could give developers greater certainty as more projects move from planning to construction. Vessel shortages have become a central challenge for the industry as federal and state clean energy targets expand.

Analysts view the initiative as part of a broader national effort to build a resilient supply chain for offshore wind. Demand for subsea cables has risen alongside concerns about infrastructure reliability and national security, prompting calls for more US-produced equipment and installation capacity. While the single barge will not close the wider gap, industry specialists say it may help attract further investment in ports, manufacturing and workforce development.

Market sentiment has strengthened as the Nexans–Crowley collaboration advances. Many in the sector see the vessel as an early step toward a larger domestic fleet that could support future offshore wind projects. The investment comes as the US works to scale transmission networks and prepare for growing offshore capacity, with policymakers expecting continued pressure on cable supply in the years ahead.