Offshore installation
The Empire Wind 1 project received its Construction and Operations Plan (COP) approval in February 2024 and began onshore construction at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Spring 2024. Marine activities resumed in Spring 2025, beginning with rock laying in the lease area. This follows years of surveying, engineering, permitting, and planning and is part of Equinor’s commitment to help power New York.
Located 15-20 miles off the coast of New York, Empire Wind 1 will harness wind power to generate and deliver energy into the New York City grid in Sunset Park.
Below, find out more about how offshore construction works, the high-tech vessels we use, our commitment to protecting the environment, and technologies drawn from successful Equinor projects around the world. Empire Wind 1 is expected to be fully operational in 2027, and this page will be updated throughout different phases of construction.
2025 Marine Activities
Rock Installation
Before foundations can be installed, rocks are placed on the seabed to create a stable base and to protect against erosion. The project will place a layer of smaller rocks before foundation installation. A second layer of larger rocks will be placed following installation.
Environmental Mitigation Strategies
- Monitoring: The vessel will have trained observers continuously monitoring marine life during rock laying.
- Timing: Construction activities are scheduled to avoid critical periods for wildlife migration
The offshore construction of Empire Wind 1 is a significant step towards increasing the supply of power to meet growing energy demands. By utilizing advanced techniques and specialized vessels for each phase of construction, alongside effective mitigation strategies and best-in-class technologies drawn from Equinor’s successful European projects, the project aims to minimize its environmental impact while contributing to New York’s energy future. Empire Wind 1 is set to become a vital part of New York’s renewable energy landscape.
Resources
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