Vineyard Wind has reported a heightened risk that the remaining piece of a damaged GE Vernova blade could detach from a turbine at its 804MW offshore wind project off the coast of Massachusetts.
A blade failure occurred on Saturday, resulting in debris washing up on the beaches of Nantucket. Most of the blade remains attached to the turbine, but concerns about further detachment have prompted the implementation of a 500-meter safety zone around the affected turbine, which has been under constant surveillance.
“We have mobilized our response team and have also witnessed new debris enter the water,” the project stated. It also noted that notifications have been sent to the US Coast Guard, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and various local agencies.
“Vineyard Wind will continue to coordinate closely with its state, federal, local, and tribal partners to respond to this evolving situation while continuing to prioritize the safety of its personnel, its contractors, and the environment,” the project team added.
Vineyard Wind spokesperson Craig Gilvarg confirmed that power production at Vineyard Wind 1 has been halted, following a Work Suspension Order issued by BSEE on Monday, July 15.
“Vineyard Wind is in full compliance with the order, and is working in collaboration with BSEE to support its assessment and advance critical safety response and debris recovery efforts,” Gilvarg said.
