The Port of Sydney in Cape Breton has been accommodating a massive vessel, the White Marlin, a semi-submersible heavy-lift transport ship owned by maritime services company Boskalis. Its presence, a subject of local fascination for months, was recently clarified by Blair MacDougall, Founder and Director of Waterford Energy Services Inc., during a Sydney Port Days event.
The 217-meter-long, 63-meter-wide White Marlin, built in 2015, is currently transporting an offshore substation for Danish renewable energy giant Orsted. This critical component is destined for an Orsted wind project located off the coast of Rhode Island, USA. Due to unforeseen structural challenges at the original installation site, Orsted and Boskalis sought a temporary, secure docking location for the vessel and its valuable cargo.
MacDougall highlighted the unique advantages of Sydney’s harbor, noting its rare combination of deep water, sheltered conditions, accessible flat land, and robust wharf infrastructure. These attributes made it an ideal and limited-availability solution for the temporary berthing of such a specialized vessel.
Waterford Energy Services Inc. has been contracted to provide essential maintenance for the substation while it awaits deployment, which is anticipated by the end of the year. During its stay, the White Marlin’s presence is also contributing positively to the local economy through significant procurement of vital supplies, including electrical equipment and fuel.
