OMSA forms Wind Committee

OMSA President Aaron Smith

The Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) has formed the OMSA Wind Committee, with membership now open to all association members. Among its priorities will be to work to ensure that U.S. offshore wind activities are carried out in compliance with the Jones Act.

“Over the past 46 years, OMSA has done a tremendous job in promoting public policy that benefits the vessels, operators, and mariners engaged in the offshore oil and gas industry,” said OMSA President Aaron Smith. “As more OMSA members apply their expertise to the offshore wind market, it only makes sense for OMSA to formalize our involvement in this sector.”

“The U.S. maritime industry has met the needs of every market it has encountered, and I’m confident that the offshore wind market will be no different,” said Court Ramsay, Chairman of the OMSA Board of Directors and President of Aries Marine. “I know my company has already committed vessels, resources, and personnel to offshore wind and I look forward to working with fellow OMSA members on the OMSA Wind Committee to promote this market.”

The committee was officially created by a resolution unanimously adopted by the OMSA Board of Directors. The board charged the committee with making recommendations to the Board and OMSA staff on strategies and initiatives that increase U.S. maritime industry involvement in the offshore wind sector.

JONES ACT

The committee will also work to ensure the laws and regulations governing the offshore wind are beneficial to the vessel operators and mariners that participate in this industry. Additionally, it will assist OMSA’s efforts to protect the Jones Act and ensure U.S. offshore wind infrastructure is constructed, serviced, and maintained in a Jones Act compliant manner.

“The Jones Act was designed to foster, develop, and maintain a strong domestic merchant marine and shipbuilding industry,” said Smith. “The law continues to accomplish that purpose and aid our national, homeland, and economic security. By ensuring the Jones Act is properly applied to the U.S. offshore wind industry, OMSA and the OMSA Wind Committee will help continue this important tradition.”

OMSA Board Member Lee Orgeron, CEO of Falcon Global said, “Our company helped construct the Block Island Wind Farm and we look forward to sharing the expertise we gained in completing this first commercial wind farm in the U.S. with our fellow OMSA members on the committee.”