Foundation installation starts for 1st large-scale US offshore wind farm

June 9 (Renewables Now) - Offshore installation of the 800-MW Vineyard Wind 1 project, the US’ first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, has kicked off with the placement of the first of 62 foundations, it was announced this week.

Located off the coast of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusett, the project is a joint venture between Avangrid Inc (NYSE:AGR) and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).

The first foundation was installed by DEME’s floating offshore installation vessel Orion. DEME Offshore US is tasked with the transportation and installation of the monopile foundations, transition pieces, offshore substation and scour protection, as well as the offshore substation foundation and platform. It will also install the wind turbines.

“We can finally say it – as of today, there is ‘steel in the water’,” said Vineyard Wind chief executive Klaus S. Moeller.

“After receiving the first turbine components in New Bedford last week, Avangrid’s Vineyard Wind 1 project has achieved another historic milestone for offshore wind in the United States as we begin foundation installation,” remarked Avangrid chief executive Pedro Azagra.

DEME Offshore US president Sid Florey noted that his company has contracted with local US vessels and crews to be deployed for mitigation of noise emissions and marine mammal observations.