Wind energy developers, Southcoast Health team with New Bedford to test fishermen

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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