Marking a significant milestone in American offshore wind development and maritime manufacturing, Equinor, the developer of the Empire Wind 1 project and Edison Chouest Offshore officially christened the Service Operations Vessel ECO Liberty during a ceremony on June 28 along the Mississippi River at the Port of New Orleans.
Designed, built, owned, and operated by Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) the 262-foot, hybrid-powered ECO Liberty is the first U.S.A. built, U.S.-flagged Service Operations Vessel dedicated to supporting offshore wind projects. Constructed at LaShip in Houma, Louisiana by over 500 Louisiana workers, the vessel features American steel and components sourced from across the Gulf Coast.
“The ECO Liberty offers a tangible example of the positive impact offshore wind is already having on the American economy,” said Molly Morris, President of Equinor Renewables Americas. “Equinor is grateful for the opportunity to draw on the vital expertise of Louisiana’s shipbuilding industry while supporting the Trump Administration’s efforts to expand U.S. vessel manufacturing capabilities. This vessel reflects how offshore wind can create durable, high-quality jobs while building out a homegrown energy supply chain.”
Louisiana First Lady Sharon Landry served as the vessel’s Godmother, smashing a champagne bottle against the hull in a time-honored maritime ritual with remarks delivered by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, alongside executives from Equinor and Edison Chouest Offshore. During the ceremony, a special proclamation from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was presented, officially declaring June 28 as ECO Liberty Day in the city.
The ECO Liberty will soon sail to its new homeport at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, a redeveloped offshore wind staging facility. From there, it will support marine construction and serve as a floating residence and operations base for wind farm technicians working on the Empire Wind lease area.
The vessel is a powerful symbol of the Gulf Coast’s growing role in the nation’s offshore wind supply chain. Its construction involved a network of regional manufacturers, suppliers, and skilled workers contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable energy system.
