Empire Energy Partners' Offshore Division, a leader in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) for offshore wind projects, has announced a strategic joint venture with The Herrick Corp., a prominent steel manufacturing and fabrication company. This partnership marks a major milestone in strengthening the domestic offshore wind supply chain and highlights both companies' dedication to advancing the United States' renewable energy goals.

As the U.S. offshore wind industry rapidly grows, the demand for strong domestic manufacturing and construction capabilities is becoming increasingly crucial. Empire Energy Offshore and The Herrick Corp. are poised to meet this demand by exploring opportunities to manufacture essential components such as monopiles, transition pieces (TPs), towers, and secondary steel for both fixed and floating offshore wind projects. By leveraging Herrick’s expertise in steel production and Empire Energy’s extensive EPC capabilities, the joint venture aims to enhance the supply chain’s capacity and foster the continued growth of the sector.

In addition to this collaboration, the partnership will complement existing alliances with Sarens and Largo Concrete, further strengthening their combined manufacturing and construction offerings. The joint venture is strategically positioned to provide a comprehensive range of offshore wind solutions, addressing the industry's evolving needs.

Beyond manufacturing key components, the partnership will explore the development and construction of facilities dedicated to producing wind turbine generator (WTG) components such as nacelles, blades, towers, monopiles, transition pieces, and secondary steel. By uniting their strengths in engineering, manufacturing, and construction, Empire Energy Offshore and The Herrick Corp. are offering end-to-end solutions tailored to the offshore wind sector’s demands.

Mike Milledge, Senior Director of Offshore Wind at Empire Energy Partners, emphasized the importance of this partnership: "This joint venture marks a critical milestone in our efforts to bolster the U.S. offshore wind supply chain. By combining our expertise with Herrick Corp.'s leading steel manufacturing capabilities, we are well-positioned to support the nation’s renewable energy objectives with a focus on quality, scalability, and sustainability."

Robert Hazelton, CEO of The Herrick Corp., added: "Integrating engineering, procurement, and fabrication at scale is key to cost-effective domestic production of floating bases and monopiles. This partnership combines technical expertise, logistical support, and access to deepwater ports, allowing us to scale operations and meet future demand."

Aligned with the U.S. government's push to expand offshore wind capacity and create jobs, the joint venture will focus on local manufacturing and the use of deepwater ports. This collaboration is set to create high-quality union and non-union jobs, contributing to the revitalization of port communities and accelerating the nation’s transition to clean energy through American-made products and services