Speakers at the event included Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, along with leaders from Equinor and Edison Chouest Offshore. A proclamation signed by New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell declaring June 28 as ECO Liberty Day was presented during the ceremony.

The American-made ECO Liberty was built by Edison Chouest Offshore by more than 500 Louisianans and showcases the critical role of Gulf Coast manufacturing companies in strengthening the supply chain for offshore energy. The vessel was built with American steel and includes components from companies in several Gulf Coast states.

“The ECO Liberty showcases the positive impact Empire Wind is having on the American economy,” said Molly Morris, President of Equinor Renewables Americas. “Equinor is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Louisiana’s world-class shipbuilding industry as we support the Trump Administration’s efforts to expand U.S. vessel manufacturing. This vessel reflects how offshore wind can create durable, high-quality jobs while building out a homegrown energy supply chain.”

The 262-ft hybrid-powered ECO Liberty will soon depart for New York, where it will be homeported at New York’s South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, where more than 2,000 workers have been put to work constructing a next-generation staging facility, O&M base, and control center for Empire Wind. The ECO Liberty will be deployed to support ongoing marine construction in the lease area and eventually serve as the floating home for Empire Wind’s skilled workers when stationed offshore. Including the ECO Liberty, seven new U.S.-flagged vessels will be added to the U.S. Jones Act compliant fleet, because of Empire Wind.

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These newly patented technologies mark a major advancement in enabling low-cost, low-impact deployment of floating wind, solar and wave platforms. They cut capital and installation costs, use smaller vessels, reduce environmental impact and support local jobs through near-site manufacturing.

Unlike legacy anchors that rely on heavy infrastructure and cause significant seabed impact, the Triton Anchor and Triton Anchor Deployment system is an industry-first for floating renewables, using clusters of commercial off the shelf helical anchors combined with a template and skirt. Its fully reusable, modular design is optimized for fast, low-impact installation and removal which provides significant cost savings and environmental benefits to end users.

“These patent awards confirm that our innovative anchoring approach is unique and has long term value to multiple floating industries. Our technology removes key barriers to scaling floating renewables by simplifying project planning, reducing installation costs, and enabling profitable deployment from shallow to ultra deep waters across many emerging markets,” said Nick Ritchie, Triton Anchor CEO. “With further patent filings in process we are confident that this strengthens our position as the anchor of choice for floating offshore wind and other floating renewable energy markets across the world.”

The company is currently exploring strategic investment opportunities to accelerate global commercial l deployment. By 2040, the floating renewable energy market (combining floating wind, floating solar and ocean energies) is projected to need nearly 40,000 anchors globally, which creates a total accessible market to Triton Anchor of £7.2 billion ($8.9 billion) in revenue.

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“We appreciate the fact that construction can now resume on Empire Wind, a project which underscores our commitment to deliver energy while supporting local economies and creating jobs,” says Anders Opedal, President and CEO of Equinor ASA.

“I would like to thank President Trump for finding a solution that saves thousands of American jobs and provides for continued investments in energy infrastructure in the U.S. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for her constructive collaboration with the Trump Administration, without which we would not have been able to advance this project and secure energy for 500 000 homes in New York. We are very appreciative of New York City Mayor Adams, congressional leaders including Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Representative Garbarino, and Representative Goldman, as well as labour groups and other advocates that have maintained their steadfast support for the project,” Opedal concluded. “I would like to thank the Norwegian Prime Minister Støre and Minister of Finance Stoltenberg for their support at a critical time, and that the Minister of Finance raised the situation with the U.S. administration.”

The stop work order was issued on 16 April 2025. Following dialogue with regulators and federal, state, and city officials, the stop work order has been lifted and construction activities will resume.

“This project delivers on the energy ambitions shared by the United States and New York by providing a vital new source of power to the region. Empire Wind brings supply chain investments in states across the nation including New York, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas and South Carolina,” said Molly Morris, President of Equinor Wind US.

Equinor will perform an updated assessment of the project economics in the second quarter. Empire aims to be able to execute planned activities in the offshore installation window in 2025 and reach its planned commercial operation date in 2027. Empire will engage with suppliers and regulatory bodies to reduce the impact of the stop work order.

After a competitive process, the United States government first leased Empire a designated area of the outer continental shelf off the coast of New York in 2017. After an extensive environmental review process, the United States government approved the plan to build a commercial offshore wind farm in early 2024, after which construction started. Project financing was secured in 2024. The project is currently more than 30% complete.

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