Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind signed a Letter of Intent with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to lease 35 acres of land at the New Jersey Wind Port, in Lower Alloways Creek in Salem County.

Atlantic Shores will initially use the Wind Port for marshaling of the 1.5-gigawatt offshore wind project off the New Jersey coast being developed by Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project 1, which will produce enough clean energy to power over 700,000 homes.

The company expects the project to create more than 200 new jobs at the port.

The lease is expected to start in mid-2026 for a period of up to three years and options to extend, creating long-term value for the state and the facilitation of future offshore wind projects.

Atlantic Shores is the second wind developer to execute an LOI for use of the port, following execution of an LOI with Ørsted in April 2022.

Gov. Phil Murphy, who announced the deal during his keynote speech at the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey’s luncheon in Mount Laurel, said the LOI adds to the ongoing momentum underway at the New Jersey Wind Port.

“Atlantic Shores’ commitment in Salem County affirms the critical importance of the Wind Port to the nation’s offshore wind industry and toward a more robust, sustainable New Jersey economy,” he said. “New Jersey’s leadership in offshore wind is on the rise, bringing with it significant catalytic investment, family-sustaining career opportunities and the promise of a healthier environment for future generations.”

The approximately 200 direct jobs that are expected to come include trades, stevedores, preassembly and installation technicians and project management personnel.

Those involved said the jobs also will provide significant indirect benefits expected for the local and regional economy.

Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind CEO Joris Veldhoven said the Wind Port will help in a number of ways.

“Atlantic Shores is thrilled to partner with the NJEDA and utilize the New Jersey Wind Port to marshal the materials and resources required to deliver New Jersey’s largest offshore wind project,” he said.

“The location offers outstanding waterside access without barriers to transporting assembled turbines vertically and allows us to tap into New Jersey’s highly skilled talent pool and robust workforce development programs. In conjunction with our on-site nacelle assembly facility, Atlantic Shores is proud to contribute to New Jersey’s infrastructure and clean energy economy.”

The EDA issued a notice to lease in late 2021, attracting 16 offers, demonstrating the huge demand across the East Coast for fit-for-purpose port capacity. Negotiations with several Tier 1 component manufacturers about establishing turbine factories at the port are ongoing, and the EDA expects to make further announcements in late 2023.

EDA CEO Tim Sullivan said the letter of intent shows the value of the Wind Port.

“As the second of two major companies to choose the New Jersey Wind Port for assembling and launching East Coast offshore wind projects, Atlantic Shores clearly recognizes the port’s strategic and tactical advantages,” he said. “Gov. Murphy, in partnership with the Legislature, has cultivated a supportive environment for companies that share this administration’s commitment to both clean energy and driving equitable and inclusive economic growth.”

Sullivan said one of the key advantages of the New Jersey Wind Port for offshore wind developers is the opportunity to be co-located with Tier 1 component manufacturers. This proximity allows for cost efficiencies in installation to the ultimate benefit of New Jersey ratepayers.