The Empire Wind offshore project is officially back on track after a temporary halt. On Monday, Empire Offshore Wind LLC, a subsidiary of Norwegian energy company Equinor ASA, announced that the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) lifted its stop work order, allowing construction to resume off the coast of New York.
Construction was paused on April 16, 2025, when BOEM issued the stop work order amid ongoing discussions with federal, state, and local agencies. After nearly five weeks of negotiations, the federal government has now given the green light to continue work.
“We appreciate the fact that construction can now resume on Empire Wind, a project that underscores our commitment to delivering energy while supporting local economies and creating jobs,” said Anders Opedal, President and CEO of Equinor ASA.
Opedal extended his gratitude to a broad coalition of officials involved in moving the project forward, notably including President Donald Trump. “I would like to thank President Trump for finding a solution that saves thousands of American jobs and enables continued investments in energy infrastructure in the U.S.,” Opedal said. He also recognized New York Governor Kathy Hochul for collaborating with the Trump administration, crediting their joint efforts with allowing the project to progress.
Additional thanks were given to New York City Mayor Eric Adams and congressional leaders, including Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, as well as Representatives Andrew Garbarino and Dan Goldman. Labor unions and other advocates who maintained steady support during the project’s pause were also acknowledged.
Opedal highlighted international support, noting the involvement of Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Minister of Finance Jens Stoltenberg, whose advocacy with U.S. authorities was crucial during this period.
Molly Morris, President of Equinor Wind US, emphasized the broader significance of Empire Wind in meeting America’s renewable energy targets. “This project delivers on the shared energy ambitions of the United States and New York by providing a vital new power source to the region,” Morris said. She added that the project is boosting supply chain investments across multiple states, including New York, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas, and South Carolina.
Construction of Empire Wind began in 2024 following thorough environmental review and federal approvals. The project is currently over 30 percent complete and aims to supply renewable energy to roughly 500,000 homes in New York. The offshore installation window is targeted for 2025, with commercial operations expected by 2027.
As work resumes, Equinor plans to conduct an updated economic assessment in the second quarter of this year. The company will continue collaborating with suppliers and regulatory bodies to address any remaining impacts from the temporary halt.
Empire Wind’s development began in 2017 when the U.S. government awarded Equinor a lease on a section of the outer continental shelf off New York’s coast. Over the past two decades, Equinor has invested about $60 billion in U.S. energy projects, spanning oil, gas, and increasingly low-carbon and renewable energy solutions.
Equinor reiterated that the U.S. remains a key market in its global portfolio. With broad support from public officials at all government levels, the company is moving forward to complete one of the nation’s largest offshore wind projects.
