The DEME vessel Orion will begin installing the remaining monopiles at the 804MW Vineyard Wind site off the coast of Massachusetts in the US, as revealed in the latest offshore wind mariner update for the project.
Prior to installation, the Polaris and Hos Ruger will be working to deploy and recover a Double Big Bubble Curtain (DBBC) system around pile driving operations.
The bubble curtain is comprised of a large, perforated hose, coupled with specialised air compressors, that create a barrier of bubbles to dampen and absorb sound.
Before each pile driving operation, the DBBC will be deployed on the seafloor, tested, and activated prior to the arrival of Orion (pictured).
The DBBC hoses will be deployed in two pre-determined rings around the foundation position. Installation of each bubble curtain will take approximately 2-4 hours.
After completion of pile driving activities, the gear will be recovered by the Polaris and Hos Ruger and brought to the next foundation installation location.
Once an individual monopile installation is complete, the Sea Challenger will be installing accompanying transition pieces on to monopiles.
This work will begin at the beginning of November.
Operations will be supported by the support vessels Go Freedom, Go Patriot and Go Glory.
Additionally, there will be fishing craft operating around the activities as safety ships to monitor traffic and facilitate safe movement of other ocean users around the work sites and project ships.