Vineyard Wind, a joint venture between Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), has entered into a partnership with Shoreline Offshore to build a berthing and fueling area for crew transfer vessels (CTVs). The work will involve deploying two floating barges on Pope’s Island, New Bedford, and Shoreline Offshore upgrading its existing facilities, including adding fuel tanks.
Under the terms of the agreement, Vineyard Wind will provide USD 750,000 in funding through its Industry Accelerator Fund, which is co-managed by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), to support the acquisition of the two floating barges that will be located on the northern side of Pope’s Island. As part of the deal, Shoreline Offshore will also upgrade its facilities, including the addition of fuel tanks and other infrastructure needed to serve New Bedford’s multiple maritime industries, according to Vineyard Wind.
The floating barges, for which Vineyard Wind says will meet its berthing needs, as well as those of future developers, will help developers work during both the construction and operations and maintenance phases of the different projects.
Once installed, they will be able to berth up to six CTVs and meet the specifications of the offshore wind industry, with access to a fueling station, potable water, ramp, and full security. This project will also increase fueling capacity in the New Bedford Harbor, which is currently limited to one terminal.
Shoreline Offshore, a joint venture between the Quinn Family, a member of the fisher community in New Bedford, and SEA.O.G Offshore, is currently working on final designs and permitting for the fuel terminal and expects it to be installed and operational by April 2023.
“This project provides the capacity for the offshore wind industry to efficiently utilize the New Bedford Harbor while also ensuring New Bedford’s commercial fishing industry can continue operating within the New Bedford Harbor with little to no interruptions” , said Charles Quinn , President of Quinn Fisheries. “By expanding space through increased berthing spaces and increased fueling capacity, we’re supplying two key components that both industries need, so that both can flourish”.
The 800 MW Vineyard Wind offshore wind farm, currently under construction off the coast of Massachusetts, is set to start producing electricity this year.
The project, the first commercial-scale offshore wind farm in the US, is located 15 miles (24 kilometres) off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard and will feature 62 Haliade-X 13 MW turbines, which will generate enough electricity for more than 400,000 homes and businesses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.