Page 28: of Marine News Magazine (April 2021)

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Feature

Offshore Wind

The role of government, going beyond merely the invest- pact item in how the federal government might assist. ment component, will be vital. Crowley’s Roberts explained The human factor, identi? ed by DNV’s Prokopuk as a in prepared remarks at the Subcommittee hearing that “like hurdle to be overcome, will also play an important role the Europeans, America will need prudent government in realizing the offshore wind ambitions, with the indi- policies to jumpstart offshore wind development in this vidual states crafting training initiatives. In February 2020, country. Regulatory measures needing attention include a New York State’s NYSERDA announced that $20 million more predictable permitting process; a possible regional ap- would be earmarked for a to-be-developed Offshore Wind proach to local content requirements; prompt Coast Guard Training Institute, at two Long Island branches of the State regulatory actions related to the vessels required to install University of New York, for training approximately 2,500 and service offshore wind turbines; and support and plan- workers. In 2019, the state of Massachusetts partnered ning for the necessary port infrastructure.” In response to a with its maritime academy on a worker training initia- query from newly elected Congressman Jake Auchincloss, tive. Among its other workforce development platforms, representing a district in southeastern Massachusetts that a program for retraining ? shermen to serve the offshore includes Fall River, Roberts identi? ed “a more predictable wind installations was unveiled, with an eye towards the and responsive permitting system” as being the highest im- Vineyard Wind project, with estimates of 3,500 jobs to be

New York offshore wind projects

NYSERDA 28 | MN April 2021