New York, January 2, 2026 – Equinor announced that Empire Offshore Wind LLC has filed a civil suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenging the U.S. Department of the Interior’s suspension order on the Empire Wind project. As part of the case, Empire is seeking a preliminary injunction to allow construction to continue while the litigation proceeds.
Empire continues to engage closely with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and other federal authorities to resolve the matter promptly. Equinor maintains that the suspension order is unlawful, warning it threatens the progress of ongoing work and could have significant commercial and financing implications for the project. The preliminary injunction is considered critical to keeping the project on track during this execution phase.
Since executing its lease in 2017, Empire has coordinated extensively with federal officials on national security reviews, including the Department of War, and has complied with all regulatory requirements. The company also holds weekly sessions with the U.S. Coast Guard and other marine first responders to ensure operational safety and security.
Developed under contract with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Empire Wind is set to provide a vital new source of electricity for New York, expected to supply enough power to electrify approximately 500,000 homes and strengthen grid reliability amid rising demand.
The project is now over 60% complete, representing a major investment in U.S. energy infrastructure, jobs, and supply chains. Equinor has invested more than US$4 billion, with US$2.7 billion already drawn under project financing. As of September 30, 2025, Empire Wind had a gross book value of approximately USD 3.1 billion, including the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal. The construction phase alone has created nearly 4,000 jobs, both within the lease area and through terminal revitalization.
Empire and its contractors remain in compliance with the suspension order, continuing essential activities to safeguard health, safety, and the environment while pursuing legal resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for Empire Offshore Wind LLC filing a lawsuit?
Empire Offshore Wind filed a civil suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to challenge the U.S. Department of the Interior’s suspension order on the Empire Wind project. The company is seeking a preliminary injunction to allow construction to continue while the legal process unfolds.
How far along is the Empire Wind project?
The project is over 60% complete. This includes significant construction activities and revitalization of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal. The construction phase has also created nearly 4,000 jobs.
How is Empire Wind working with federal authorities?
Empire has coordinated with multiple federal agencies since executing its lease in 2017, including national security reviews with the Department of War and weekly safety sessions with the U.S. Coast Guard and other marine first responders. They continue to engage with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to resolve the suspension order issue.
What is the significance of the Empire Wind project for New York?
Developed under contract with NYSERDA, Empire Wind is expected to provide enough electricity to power approximately 500,000 homes, strengthening grid reliability amid rising energy demand in New York. It represents a major investment in U.S. energy infrastructure and clean energy transition.
How is Equinor handling the suspension order during the legal process?
Empire and its contractors are complying with the suspension order while continuing essential activities to safeguard health, safety, and the environment. The preliminary injunction being sought is considered critical to keeping the project on track and minimizing commercial and financing disruptions.
