Communications Protocol During Offshore Wind Vessel Transits
Reminder: to sign up for messages and updates, text “OSWVesselActivity” to (855)-641-4459
For questions: https://portofnewbedford.org/contactExplanation of temporary halts to barrier crossings and in-harbor movements
Vineyard Wind is currently marshalling for the first commercial‐scale offshore wind development at the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal (NBMCT). Their installation will commence in earnest over the next few weeks. This will entail the frequent arrival and departure of large heavy‐lift offshore wind (OSW) vessels and barges to deliver and deploy offshore wind tower, nacelle and blade components.
Indicative Heavy Lift Vessel
Project Indicative Feeder Barges
In addition to the size of the vessels, the frequency of these transits – arrivals, departures, and in-port repositioning – will be greater than the Port has seen from large vessels. These transits present the potential for temporary disruptions to other movements in the harbor and are likely to draw interest and curiosity given their scale.
In order to ensure safe transit of the OSW vessels and most importantly to ensure the safety of all other port users, particularly commercial fishermen and recreational boaters, the New Bedford Port Authority (NBPA) is taking two primary steps:
1. Vessel Escorts: The NBPA will continue to provide vessel escorts to assist in the transit of large commercial vessels. Depending on the size, timing, weather conditions or other factors, this may include multiple escorts. The primary purpose of vessel escorts is to regulate/contain vessel traffic on each side of the hurricane barrier and within the harbor as vessels traverse the barrier opening, and to ensure a safe transit to the turning basin in front of State Pier and the Terminal channel. When vessels are being escorted, it will require a brief halt to all other traffic through the New Bedford hurricane barrier and surrounding the vessel as it traverses the harbor. Traffic will resume as soon as the New Bedford Harbormaster determines it is safe to do so. The below graphic from the NBMCT shows the transit route.
The New Bedford Harbormaster, in coordination with Fairhaven Harbormaster, will have responsibility and exclusive oversight of the vessel escorts. Escorts will be in place to ensure the safe and efficient transit of OSW vessels while minimizing any disruptions or delays to other commercial and recreational port users. During an escorted transit that necessitates a pause on commercial/recreational transits of the hurricane barrier, the Harbormaster will be in contact with the NB/Fairhaven bridge operator to coordinate an opening to accommodate any incoming vessels timing their arrival to reach the northern harbor. The goal will be to ensure a bridge opening is not missed due to an OSW vessel transit.
2. OSW Transits Communications: The NBPA will be communicating information received from Vineyard Wind and its’ contractors to port users regarding the timing of any OSW transits, so that sufficient preparation, planning, or schedule adjustments can be made. Due to a range of operational and weather factors, the actual arrival can deviate by several hours and even days from the targeted arrival time. NBPA will convey the Vineyard Wind‐sourced schedule information to Port Users in the following steps:
Roughly 48 Hours prior to scheduled arrival time: An SMS text will be sent to port users with a general targeted arrival time, with a two-hour window, and vessel type. In the event the vessel in question is expected to require a temporary halt to barrier opening transits, the information will include the anticipated timing for the Harbormaster’s start of the pause and the expected resumption barrier transits. To subscribe to these SMS text notifications, please Text “OSWVesselActivity” to (855)-641-4459.
Within 48 hours of scheduled arrival time: Due to a range of operational and weather factors, the actual arrival can deviate by several hours and even days from the targeted arrival time. If there are material changes to the targeted arrival time beyond the original two-hour window, NBPA will convey updates to Port Users via SMS text notifications. Port users may also monitor Channel 13, where the Harbormaster may communicate updates in the morning hours of each day.
Methods of Outreach/Communication
The NBPA will attempt to reach as many commercial operators – fishing boats, commercial freight, ferries –as possible to inform them of this communications protocol. We encourage all port users to share this information by word‐of‐mouth as well. NBPA will distribute this information multiple times to ensure broad distribution.
Managers of private marinas that receive this communication need to be responsible for conveying this information to all slip and mooring holders and transient mooring users. This should be done multiple times using varied methods including emails and postings at web‐based sites and information kiosks at your facilities.
Any changes to this communications protocol will be distributed through the SMS text process.
We appreciate your cooperation and attention to this notice.
Reminder: to sign up for messages and updates, text “OSWVesselActivity” to (855)-641-4459
For questions: https://portofnewbedford.org/contact
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About Vineyard Wind
Vineyard Wind LLC is an offshore wind development company that is building the first commercial-scale offshore wind energy project in the U.S., to be located 15 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard. Vineyard Wind 1, based in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is 50 percent owned by funds of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and 50 percent by Avangrid Renewables, a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR). For more information, visit www.vineyardwind.com.
$5 MILLION IN FUNDING TO DATE HAS CREATED OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL FISHING VESSELS ON FIRST IN THE NATION PROJECT
*From left to right, Capt. Jordan Rosonina, Capt. Paul Rosonina, Crista Bank of Vineyard Wind, Jennifer Downing of the New Bedford Ocean Cluster, Capt. John Verissimo, Capt. Alex Hall (behind), Jennifer Cullen of Vineyard Wind, Dan Kent (behind) of Vineyard Wind, CEO of Vineyard Wind Klaus Moeller, Capt. Tony Alvernaz, Capt. Joe Huckemeyer, Travis Lowery (behind) of Vineyard Wind, and Gordon Carr of the New Bedford Port Authority
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 1, 2023
Contact: Andrew Doba | adoba@vineyardwind.com | (617) 362-3872
(NEW BEDFORD, MA) – Vineyard Wind CEO Klaus S. Moeller today visited the State Pier in New Bedford to wish Captain Tony Alvernaz and the crew of the FV Kathryn Marie well as they embarked on an 8-day trip to support offshore construction for the first-in-the-nation offshore wind project.
“Local fishermen bring tremendous value to our operations. Their unique local knowledge and network is a huge part of the successful construction of Vineyard Wind,” said Vineyard Wind CEO Klaus S. Moeller. “This emphasizes that the development of offshore wind would bring opportunities for our industries to work together, and we hope that the precedents we’ve set will become the norm for each and every project.”
“We’re grateful to draw from the skill and expertise of local fishing communities as we pioneer this groundbreaking project in the United States,” said Vineyard Wind Deputy CEO Miguel Sanchez Calero.“Experienced and local fishermen like Captain Alvenaz and the FV Kathryn Marie have an important role to play in the development of this historic project, and a tremendous opportunity for collaboration through the further buildout of this industry in the Northeast.”
*From left to right, signage aboard the FV Kathryn Marie, picture of vessel
Since 2019, Vineyard Wind has spent approximately $5 million hiring more than 30 local fishing vessels at different stages of the project, including fisheries research campaigns, scout vessels to support geophysical survey vessels and more recently as safety vessel support for offshore cable installation.
“Fishing can be a boom or bust industry,” said FV Kathryn Marie Captain Tony Alvernez. “By working with Vineyard Wind, we’re able to add a new stream of revenue to our business, while at the same time update our vessel with improved safety equipment. This should be a real opportunity for us for years to come.”
*From left to right, Captains Alex Hall and Tony Alvernaz of the FV Kathryn Marie
Vineyard Wind is also supporting fishing vessels and their crew to meet industry Health, Safety and Environment (ESG) standards and the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) requirements by providing safety training classes at UMass Dartmouth SMAST, in addition to sponsoring captain training classes to help fishermen get their Merchant Mariner Credentials. Ten fishermen have already completed the captain training class and passed their USCG exams, with an additional 20+ in the pipeline.
Vineyard Wind has also allocated $250,000 in Accelerator Funding to cover the cost of additional safety equipment, such as Personal Locator Beacons on survival suit, as well as extra VHF radios and other items.
Vineyard Wind recently submitted its first annual report to the state compiled by UMass Dartmouth and Springline Research Group that found Vineyard Wind more than doubled early estimates for the number of jobs created and dollars invested.
*Vineyard Wind CEO Klaus Moeller and Capt. Joe Alvernaz of the FV Kathryn Marie
An 800-megawatt project located 15 miles off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, Vineyard Wind will generate electricity for more than 400,000 homes and businesses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, create 3,600 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) job years, save customers $1.4 billion over the first 20 years of operation, and is expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 1.6 million metric tons per year, the equivalent of taking 325,000 cars off the road annually. The project will begin delivering clean energy to Massachusetts later this year.
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About Vineyard Wind
Vineyard Wind LLC is an offshore wind development company that is building the first commercial-scale offshore wind energy project in the U.S., to be located 15 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard. Vineyard Wind 1, based in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is 50 percent owned by funds of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and 50 percent by Avangrid Renewables, a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR). For more information, visit www.vineyardwind.com.
Read Full Article
By Adrienne Wartts
Research efforts led by SMAST scientists at the forefront of Decision of Record for Vineyard Wind’s commercial offshore wind project–the first in the nation.
Last week, Vineyard Wind received the Record of Decision, issued by the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), for the nation’s first commercial-scale offshore wind project. The project will launch the offshore wind industry in the U.S. and bring thousands of jobs, reduce carbon pollution, and lower cost for ratepayers, according to the company’s press release.
In 2018, as part of UMass Dartmouth's emerging Blue Economy Initiative, Vineyard Wind entered into an agreement with the School for Marine Science & Technology (SMAST) to conduct pre- and post-construction assessments of fisheries and associated ecological conditions related to offshore wind. With stakeholder input, surveys were designed and conducted by SMAST scientists using different methods of data collection, including trawl surveys, ventless traps, and drop camera surveys. Professors Steven Cadrin, Pingguo He, and Kevin Stokesbury of SMAST’s Department of Fisheries Oceanography led these efforts.
According to a May 11, 2021 press release issued by the Baker-Polito Administration, the key federal permitting approval allows Vineyard Wind to advance its Construction and Operations Plan to bring 800 megawatts of cost-effective, renewable offshore wind power to Massachusetts ratepayers, enough to power 400,000 homes. This Record of Decision also supports the Biden Administration’s goal of jumpstarting offshore wind projects to create jobs and bring 30 gigawatts online by the year 2030.
ROSA is in search for their first Director of Research. The director will have responsibility for overseeing all of ROSA’s research, with a goal of deepening understanding of the interactions between offshore wind and marine ecosystems. ROSA is seeking an experienced scientist with a strong track record of managing multidisciplinary teams to address complex problems in natural resource science and management. You can read more about the position and desired qualifications in the job description. Please share widely. Applications are due by February 28 and they hope to select someone for the position by the end of March.
Says “Data and Science Are Essential to Developing the Best Possible Industry Standards and Ensuring Co-existence with Other Ocean Users”
(New Bedford, MA) – Vineyard Wind today released a significant amount of fisheries science data collected over the last year and a half from both the 501 and 522 lease areas. The studies, commenced prior to a project approval on Vineyard Wind 1, are monitoring what impact, if any, the development of offshore wind power may have on marine life and environmental conditions and look at both commercial and recreational fishing.
“There’s no question that data and science are essential to developing the best possible industry standards and ensuring co-existence with other ocean users,” said Vineyard Wind CEO Lars T. Pedersen. “We take our status as the ‘first mover’ in the industry very seriously and have made understanding potential impacts through science central to our efforts. We believe setting a solid foundation for this first project will help to establish best practices and allow an industry with unmatched potential for jobs, economic development, and environmental benefits to get going in a responsible manner.”
Commercial Fishing
Studies were designed and conducted by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) and utilize different methods of data collection, including trawling, ventless traps and drop camera surveys and will be evaluated using the Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) framework. All studies are conducted from fishing vessels and the ventless trap surveys are supported by the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association (MLA). Under this framework, monitoring will occur prior to development (Before), and then during construction and operation (After). During these periods, changes in the ecosystem will be compared between the development site (Impact) and a control site (Control). The control sites are in the general vicinity with similar characteristics to the impact areas (i.e. depth, habitat type, seabed characteristics, etc.).
“The first year of surveying was very successful providing information on groundfish, lobsters, invertebrates living on the sea floor, and including larval lobster and fishes,” said Dr. Kevin Stokesbury, Professor at the School for Marine Science & Technology (SMAST) at UMASS Dartmouth. “The sampling was conducted within a scientific framework to detect a 25 % change in the most abundant species. This sets up a baseline, and with continued surveying, the difference between natural changes and those resulting from windfarm development will be measurable. The hardest part of these studies is to get out on the water and get moving on them. We are glad to be working with Vineyard Wind and the fishing Industry to get these studies underway.”
The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) is glad to be involved in the collaborative research with SMAST in the Vineyard Wind project area,” said MLA Executive Director Beth Casoni. “The commercial fishing industry has been asking for industry-based research to be done and we are now entering our second year of survey work with industry members for the pre, during, and post construction surveys. The MLA will be sharing these preliminary findings at our Annual Weekend in 2021 and all are encouraged to attend to learn more about the collaborative research being done today.”
Highly Migratory Species/Recreational Fishing
In addition to the above studies, and at the request of recreational fishermen, Vineyard Wind also partnered with the New England Aquarium (NEAq) on a highly migratory species study.
Lead by NEAq’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, the report creates, “a comprehensive assessment of baseline recreational fishing effort for highly migratory species in southern New England and the associated Wind Energy Areas (WEA).” The analysis finds that “Within Vineyard Wind lease areas (OCS-A 0501 and OCS-A 0522), the available data indicated that recreational fishermen primarily target bluefin tuna, shortfin mako, and ‘any tuna species,’” among other data points.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to begin to assess the potential impacts of offshore wind development on the large recreational fishery for HMS that operates in southern New England,” said Jeff Kneebone, a Fisheries Research Scientist at the Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life.
Support for Regional Science
Vineyard Wind believes strongly that project specific science should be usable at a regional scale to facilitate efforts to understand potential cumulative impacts of offshore wind and changes to the ecosystem from other forces such as climate change.
The SMAST surveys are designed to integrate with existing data sets in order to expand their contribution to such understanding. The trawl survey report states, “…The current trawl survey closely emulates the Northeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (NEAMAP) survey protocol. In doing so, the goal was to ensure compatibility with other regional surveys, including the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) annual spring and fall trawl survey, the annual NEAMAP spring and fall trawl survey, and state trawl surveys including the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MADMF) trawl survey. […] This should facilitate easier sharing and integration of the data with state and federal agencies and allow the data from this survey to be incorporated into existing datasets to enhance our understanding of the region’s ecosystem dynamics.”
Through engagement in the Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA) – a collaboration between the offshore wind and fishing industries to support science, Vineyard Wind is actively working to expand regional science, collaborate with the fishing industry, and expand awareness of how science is critical to the co-existence of both industries.
“These studies provide valuable information on current conditions in our ocean ecosystems,” said Lyndie Hice-Duton, Ph.D. and Executive Director of the Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA). “We look forward to continuing to work with Vineyard Wind to share the outcomes of their research and monitoring and work collaboratively to improve our understanding of the potential impacts of offshore wind on regional fisheries.”
To view the reports, click here .
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Fund will focus on outreach to fishing industry; program will take place weekly at Pier 3
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. – The five lease holders of the New England Wind Development Area (WDA) – Vineyard Wind, Eversource/Ørsted, Mayflower Wind and Equinor – have joined forces with the fishing industry to fund free testing for crews on Pier 3 in New Bedford, using Southcoast Health’s Wellness Van. The program launched on Thursday and will continue for several weeks, officials said.
The developers have contributed more than $40,000 to help Southcoast, a not-for-profit community health system, and the City of New Bedford, reach fishermen whose schedules and occupational demands may preclude them from accessing other forms of testing currently offered.
The Southcoast Health Wellness Van will be staffed by clinicians administering the Sofia Antigen test, which can return results more quickly than kits requiring external processing at offsite labs, officials said.
“In addition to giving individuals peace of mind or providing them with the information they need to seek treatment if necessary, this will enable crews to make important decisions about personnel and protect all onboard during these voyages so crucial to livelihoods and our local economy,” said Keith Hovan, President and CEO of Southcoast Health. “We are grateful to these renewable energy leaders and the city of New Bedford for helping our Southcoast Health Wellness Van increase access for as many residents of our region as we can.”
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said “Commercial fishing is America’s most dangerous profession, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened the risk that fishermen face, especially given the confined spaces in which they work on board fishing vessels. We are pleased that the Port and Southcoast have partnered to continue targeted, free testing for fishing crews, thanks to this collaboration and the renewable energy companies supporting this important effort.”
Vineyard Wind approached Southcoast recently to discuss opportunities for expanding a Pier 3 testing program the system and the city of New Bedford had started back in the spring, officials said. Soon after, other developers followed suit.
“Vineyard Wind and the commercial fishing industry based in New Bedford will soon become neighbors in and around the port and out at sea,” said Vineyard Wind CEO Lars Pedersen. “Part of being neighbors means coming together as a community during these challenging times. Southcoast Health does an amazing job providing access to critically important healthcare initiatives, and we’re pleased to play just a small part in this latest effort. We hope this fast and convenient testing program will allow more fishermen to stay safe and healthy as they get back to work.”
Based on current cost estimates, Southcoast officials said the program could cover hundreds of tests.
“The New Bedford Port Authority appreciates the support of the wind energy industry and Southcoast Health to expand the testing program for fishermen,” said Edward C. Anthes-Washburn,
Executive Director of the New Bedford Port Authority. “This testing will allow fishing crews peace of mind during a pandemic so they can focus on what they do best – safely harvesting and landing sustainable fish for consumers around the world.”
On Thursday, more than two dozen fishermen were tested.
“Our commitment to health and safety starts with putting people first, including those who work in the commercial fisheries,” said Christopher Hardy, Director of External Affairs for Mayflower Wind. “We thank Southcoast Health and the city of New Bedford for their leadership in testing fishing crews and other essential workers in the region.”
Siri Espedal Kindem, President of Equinor Wind U.S., agreed.
“Equinor is proud to join with our fellow offshore wind developers in this important endeavor,” Kindem said. “Our Beacon Wind project team is committed to developing partnerships and programs that benefit the community, especially during this incredibly challenging time of COVID-19. We salute the great work that Southcoast Health and the City of New Bedford are doing to ensure fishermen have access to quality testing facilities.”
“Eversource Energy is committed to supporting the communities we serve,” said Mike Ausere, Vice President of Business Development for Eversource. “As such, we are proud to partner with Ørsted and the other offshore wind developers to ensure the local fishing communities receive much needed access to prompt COVID-19 testing.”
Added Matthew Morrissey, Head of Markets, Northeast, at Ørsted North America, Offshore:
“Becoming a valuable community member is a core tenant of Ørsted’s mission. As COVID-19 has struck states across the country, we are committed to becoming a part of the solution in helping communities combat the virus and are proud to partner with Southcoast Health.”
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The Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA) is seeking applications from recreational and commercial fishermen to join its Advisory Council, which provides substantive direction and strategic guidance to the alliance.
ROSA is a nonprofit organization that seeks to advance regional research and monitoring of fisheries and offshore wind interactions through collaboration and cooperation. ROSA’s work currently concentrates on the waters from Maine to North Carolina.
The background information and applications are listed below and can be found online. The deadline for applications is July 15, 2020.
For More Information:
Lyndie Hice-Dunton, Ph.D., Executive Director
Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA)
(848) 863-3269 / Lyndie@rosascience.org
Crista Bank, Fisheries Liaison
Vineyard Wind
(508) 525-0421/ cbank@vineyardwind.com
(3/11/2020) - Vineyard Wind and researchers from the UMASS School for Marine Science & Technology presented an update about the Vineyard Wind Fisheries Monitoring Plan. Read more here.
The Responsible Offshore Development Alliance is seeking input from mariners about navigational aids within offshore wind developments including paint, beacons, numbering, markings, lighting, sound signals, and more. Click to learn more and to complete RODA's survey.
The United States Coast Guard released a draft of their Massachusetts and Rhode Island Port Access Route Study (MARI PARS) and is accepting comments on the draft study until March 16, 2020. Download the draft study here or visit regulations.gov to submit comments online.
Fisheries Liaisons from Equinor, Ørsted/Eversource and Vineyard Wind will be available for commercial and recreational fishing inquiries, comments, and feedback for the RI/MA Wind Energy Areas. Learn more here
Fisheries Liaisons from Equinor, Ørsted/Eversource, Mayflower Wind and Vineyard Wind will be available during monthly port hours for commercial and recreational fishing inquiries, comments, and feedback for the RI/MA Wind Energy Areas. Learn more here
(11/19/2019) - The five New England offshore wind leaseholders - Equinor, Mayflower Wind, Ørsted/Eversource, and Vineyard Wind- announced a uniform turbine layout proposal submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard with 1 nautical mile (nm) spacing between wind turbines. Read the full announcement here or click here for the report prepared by W.F. Baird Associates Ltd and an accompanying letter from the five New England offshore wind leaseholders.
(10/1/2019) - The New England Aquarium Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life is partnering with Vineyard Wind document the presence of highly migratory species (HMS) and HMS recreational fisheries in the southern New England wind energy lease areas. Recreational Fishermen, learn more about the survey and how to respond online here.
(9/16/2019) - Vineyard Wind is gathering information to be used in a radar analysis looking at the potential effects of offshore wind turbines on radar systems used by fishing vessels. When the radar analysis is complete results will be shared with BOEM, USCG and the report will be available on our website. To obtain an accurate representation of radar units typically used in different fishing fleets, we are asking fishermen to provide information about the units they have on board. Please fill out the brief questionnaire here.
