
South Fork Wind

Project Overview
In 2022, Riggs Distler was awarded the first US-based Tier 1 Contract for Secondary Steel for the South Fork Wind Farm, a collaborative effort between Ørsted, a global leader in clean energy, and Eversource, New England’s largest energy provider. Upon its completion in 2023, South Fork Wind Farm became the first utility-scale offshore wind farm in the United States, generating 132 MW of clean energy- sufficient to power nearly 70,000 homes in East Hampton, New York. This milestone installation is critical, as power demands on the South Fork of Long Island, New York, have been rapidly increasing. By producing clean energy, South Fork Wind Farm will not only meet the region’s escalating power needs but also contribute significantly to a sustainable future, benefiting both the environment and local residents.
Riggs Distler’s work involved the onshore assembly and fabrication of large, specialized components for the wind turbine foundations, including external concrete platforms, supported internal platforms, and anode cages for twelve (12) sets of wind turbines. The project also included extensive electrical work, including the installation of conduit systems, task lighting, and high-voltage equipment.
Advanced Foundation Components (AFCs)
Supported Internal Platforms (SIPs)
The SIP is inserted inside the monopile foundation offshore and is essential to the process of transmitting clean energy to the offshore substation, which will then travel to an onshore substation and become part of the electrical grid. The SIP houses all of the communication components for each turbine as well as the entry point for the subsea cables and a variety of electrical equipment required for operations and maintenance of the turbine.
External Working Platforms
External concrete platforms are used for safe wind turbine access, operation, and maintenance. They include multiple systems to permit personnel and equipment access for offshore wind technicians.
Anode Cages
A sacrificial anode structure is installed as a means of cathodic protection. This approach uses a ring-like frame arranged around the monopile. The cage is installed offshore by slipping over the top of the monopile, prior to the installation of the external concrete platform. Because the anodes are cast of a less noble metal than the monopile, they corrode more readily, thus serving in a sacrificial role.
Challenges Overcome
The South Fork Wind Farm project posed numerous challenges, including the development of a new supply chain and the construction of intricate wind turbine components at facilities upgraded to meet industry-specific requirements. Riggs Distler successfully addressed these obstacles through meticulous planning and collaboration with experienced European suppliers.
This project featured the first-ever Advanced Foundation Components (AFCs) fully assembled in the United States, essential to the structural and operational integrity of the wind turbines. Riggs Distler implemented cutting-edge safety measures, including innovative fall protection protocols, custom fabrication solutions, and thorough risk assessments, ensuring exceptional safety and efficiency. The integration of “pull planning” from the Lean Construction methodology further optimized resource allocation and streamlined project milestones. These forward-thinking strategies not only drove the project’s success but also set a new standard for offshore wind construction in the U.S.
Award Winning
This project earned the 2024 NECA Project Excellence Award for Energy Solutions/Green Buildings over $1 Million. Presented by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), these awards celebrate projects that exemplify innovation, technical achievement, and excellence in the electrical contracting industry.
Projects were evaluated on criteria including aesthetics, application, difficulty, innovation, originality, and results delivered. Learn more HERE.
Our South Fork Wind Environmental Health and Safety Team received the 2023 Ventus Award for HSE Program of the Year, underscoring our dedication to workforce safety and environmental stewardship. This award recognizes Riggs Distler’s implementation of comprehensive safety policies and innovative training programs. Learn more HERE.
Results Delivered
On August 25, 2023, Riggs Distler delivered the twelfth and final set of Advanced Foundation Components (AFCs) for South Fork Wind, marking a historic milestone as the first U.S.-assembled AFCs. The wind farm now operates with a capacity of 132 MW, supplying clean energy to 70,000 Long Island homes.
South Fork Wind supports New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal of achieving nine gigawatts of offshore wind by 2035. By setting a benchmark for future projects, this landmark installation propels the U.S. toward a more sustainable energy future while creating opportunities for local economies.
Through innovation, dedication, and expertise, Riggs Distler is proud to have contributed to America’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm. South Fork Wind exemplifies our commitment to excellence in renewable energy, paving the way for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
Services
- Tier 1 Secondary Steel Supplier
Our Work Included
- Onshore assembly and fabrication of external concrete platforms, supported internal platforms, and anode cages for twelve (12) sets of wind turbines















