Vineyard Wind is partnering with autonomous maritime solutions provider ThayerMahan for seabed and infrastructure survey and inspection work in the waters off southern Massachusetts.
The operations are being conducted from the host vessel – HOS Mystique (pictured) – with mobilisation and demobilisations being conducted from Gateway Terminal’s Montville facility at Horton Point.
HOS Mystique will have an offshore fishery liaison on board to help communicate with commercial fishermen working in the area, in addition to support from the Chicawa, a local fishing vessel that is employed by Vineyard Wind to help survey vessels avoid fixed gear and reduce potential gear entanglement.
The vessels follow all marine mammal mitigation requirements, Vineyard Wind said.
The DeepOcean Group, with engineering support services provided by Jacobs Engineering, will provide the remotely operated vehicles.
Vineyard Wind chief executive Klaus Moeller said: “Partnering with local companies like ThayerMahan is an essential component of building out the offshore wind industry here in the US.
“The more we go local, the more we can ensure that the many jobs this industry will create in our region will not only take root but flourish.”
ThayerMahan president and chief executive Mike Connor said: “This project is another example of Vineyard Wind honoring its commitment to the local economy and regional workforce.
“ThayerMahan is excited to support Vineyard Wind as the first and foremost, large-scale, wind farm development in the US.”
Vineyard Wind 1 is an 800MW offshore wind farm located 24km off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard.
It will begin delivering electricity to Massachusetts in 2023.