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< Back Navigating the Waters: Offshore Wind and Whale Protection February 19, 2025 Misinformation campaigns, often fueled by fossil fuel interests, have falsely linked offshore wind development to increased whale deaths. These campaigns exploit public concern for marine life, using emotionally charged imagery and selective data to create a misleading narrative. They frequently misrepresent the primary causes of whale mortality – ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear – while downplaying the significant efforts undertaken by the offshore wind industry to protect marine mammals. This misinformation not only obstructs the urgently needed transition to clean energy but also diverts attention from the real threats facing whales, hindering effective conservation. Critically evaluating information sources and relying on peer-reviewed scientific research is crucial for understanding the true relationship between offshore wind and marine mammal health. As of 2024, no U.S. whale death has been linked to offshore wind operations. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) , in collaboration with offshore wind developers and environmental organizations, has developed “ Best Management Practices for North Atlantic Right Whales During Offshore Wind Energy Construction and Operations Along the U.S. East Coast. ” These guidelines, along with agreements like the one signed by Vineyard Wind, NRDC, Conservation Law Foundation, and National Wildlife Federation, provide a robust framework for balancing clean energy development with marine mammal protection. While the offshore wind industry is a crucial component of the clean energy transition, it recognizes its responsibility to minimize impacts on vulnerable species like whales. Fortunately, the industry is actively implementing a range of measures to safeguard these animals. Siting: Choosing the Right Locations Siting is the first line of defense. It involves carefully analyzing available data on whale migration routes, feeding grounds, breeding areas, and other critical habitats. Developers work with scientists and regulatory agencies to identify areas where wind farm development would pose the least risk to marine mammals. This often involves excluding designated protected areas, known aggregation sites, and important migratory corridors. While avoiding all interactions is impossible, strategic siting significantly minimizes the potential for negative impacts. Advanced modeling and predictive tools are increasingly being used to refine site selection and further reduce risks. Vessel Speed Limits: Slowing Down for Safety Vessel strikes are a major threat to whales. Implementing and strictly enforcing speed limits for all vessels associated with offshore wind projects is crucial. This includes construction vessels, transport ships, crew transfer vessels, and maintenance boats. Lower speeds (typically 10 knots or less in whale sensitive areas) give vessel operators more time to spot whales and avoid collisions. Slower speeds also reduce the severity of impacts if a collision does occur, potentially minimizing injuries or fatalities. GPS tracking and other monitoring technologies can be used to ensure compliance with speed limits. Seasonal Construction Restrictions: Timing is Everything Many whale species undertake seasonal migrations, moving between breeding grounds and feeding areas. Construction activities, especially pile driving, can generate significant underwater noise that disrupts these movements and communication. Seasonal restrictions, informed by scientific data on whale presence and migration patterns, can minimize these disruptions. For example, pile driving might be restricted during periods when whales are known to frequent a particular area. These restrictions are often site-specific and tailored to the particular species present and their behavior. Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM): Listening for Whales PAM systems use underwater microphones (hydrophones) to listen for whale vocalizations. These systems can detect the presence of whales even when they are not visually observed, providing a valuable early warning system. PAM can be deployed 24/7, providing continuous monitoring, unlike visual observation which is limited by daylight and weather conditions. The data collected from PAM systems can be used to inform real-time decision-making regarding construction activities, allowing work to be paused or modified if whales are detected in the vicinity. Image credit: NOAA Protected Species Observers (PSOs): Eyes on the Water Trained PSOs are stationed on construction vessels and platforms to visually scan the surrounding waters for marine mammals. They are trained to identify different species and recognize behaviors that may indicate distress or avoidance. PSOs have the authority to halt construction activities if whales or other protected species are observed within a designated safety zone. They also record sightings and other relevant data, contributing to long-term monitoring efforts. Night vision and other specialized equipment can also be used to enhance visual observation capabilities. Image credit: NOAA Bubble Curtains: A Barrier for Underwater Noise Bubble curtains are a noise mitigation technology used to reduce the impact of underwater noise generated by pile driving. They consist of a perforated pipe or ring placed around the pile driving site, which releases a stream of air bubbles. These bubbles create a barrier that absorbs and deflects sound waves, reducing the amount of noise that travels outwards. Double bubble curtains, with two concentric rings of bubbles, provide even greater noise reduction (up to nearly 95%). Image credit: Continental Other Mitigation Measures and Ongoing Research Aerial Surveys: Regular aerial surveys, conducted by trained observers, provide a broader view of whale distribution and behavior in and around project areas. These surveys can be used to validate PAM data and identify areas of high whale activity. Long-Term Research and Monitoring: Comprehensive research and monitoring programs are essential for understanding the long-term effects of offshore wind development on marine mammals. These programs involve collecting data on whale populations, behavior, habitat use, and exposure to noise and other stressors. Collaboration between developers, scientists, and environmental groups is crucial for ensuring that research efforts are well-designed and the results are shared widely. Technological Advancements: The offshore wind industry is continually exploring and developing new technologies to minimize impacts on marine mammals. This includes quieter installation methods, improved acoustic monitoring systems, and innovative deterrents. Continued research and development are essential for further reducing risks and ensuring the coexistence of offshore wind and marine life. Habitat Restoration and Enhancement: In some cases, developers may undertake habitat restoration or enhancement projects to offset potential impacts on marine mammals. This could involve restoring degraded coastal habitats or creating artificial reefs to provide alternative foraging or breeding areas. The offshore wind industry recognizes its responsibility to protect marine life. These implemented measures, coupled with continued investment in research and innovation, demonstrate a commitment to minimizing impacts and ensuring the health and safety of whales and other marine mammals. While offshore wind plays a vital role in the clean energy transition, the industry understands that addressing the primary threats to whales, alongside responsible development, is absolutely essential for the long-term survival of these magnificent creatures. Sources: NRDC , Saildrone , NOAA , Wind Exchange , Environment America , Conservation Law Foundation Previous Next

< Back AOWA Collaborates with MassCEC: Targeted Offshore Wind Programs for Minority and Woman Entrepreneurs (MWBEs) February 17, 2025 Thanks to MassCEC, we will create targeted workshops, skills training sessions, and networking opportunities to empower minority and women entrepreneurs (MWBEs) to succeed and become leaders in the clean energy space. As such, this form is intended for survey takers who fall into this category AND have an interest in the offshore wind space (there is no need to have previous experience in offshore wind). This survey should take about 5-10 minutes. Your valuable feedback will help us understand the needs of MWBEs, so we can develop the best programs possible. We thank you very much for your support, and look forward to working with you soon! All feedback will be treated confidentially (results will be only reported on collectively) - we welcome your open responses. Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Survey Previous Next

< Back U.S. Offshore Wind: An Update on Near-Term Projects March 24, 2025 The U.S. offshore wind industry, while making leaps and bounds in some areas, has faced a significant amount of turbulence in recent years. A recent report released by the American Clean Power Association (ACP) projects about 14 GW of wind capacity offshore U.S. coastlines by 2030, significantly shy of the goal of 30 GW set by the Biden administration in 2021. The 2024 Offshore Wind Market Report by National Renewable Energy Laboratory projects $65 billion will be invested in offshore wind projects by 2030. According to the report, there is 56 GW under development across 37 leases in the United States. There are currently 12 GW of projects with active offtake agreements, including 5 GW under active construction at Vineyard Wind, Revolution Wind, Sunrise Wind, and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind. There is merely 172 MW of offshore wind capacity currently installed in the United States as of 2024. This is only a fraction of China’s current capacity (the global leader in offshore wind capacity) with nearly 38 GW online. Increasing material costs, high interest rates, and supply chain disruptions have led multiple offshore wind companies in the last few years to cancel or renegotiate power contracts for planned offshore wind farms. The current administration's policy shifts have also significantly reshaped the near-term trajectory of the U.S. offshore wind pipeline. Following a presidential memorandum that paused offshore wind leasing and mandated a review of existing permits, numerous projects have encountered delays, divestments, and financial write-downs due to heightened economic uncertainties. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the near-term U.S. offshore wind projects, categorizing them based on their status: operational, under construction, approved but not yet under construction, paused or delayed, and temporarily canceled. The Overall Outlook: - 0.172 GW in operation - 5 GW under construction - 3.8 GW approved, not yet under construction - 11.5 GW delayed or paused - 9.6 GW temporarily cancelled Projects in Operation: The U.S. currently has 172 MW (0.172 GW) of operational offshore wind capacity across three pioneering projects. South Fork Wind : America’s first commercial scale offshore wind farm by Ørsted & Skyborn Renewables located 35 miles east of Montauk Point, NY. It’s composed of twelve Siemens Gamesa 11 MW turbines with a nameplate capacity of 130 MW . First approved by the Long Island Power Authority in 2017, construction of South Fork Wind started in January 2022 and ended in March 2024. The project powers around 70,000 Long Island homes. Block Island Pilot Project : A 30 MW pilot project by Ørsted off the coast of Rhode Island that is composed of five GE Haliade 6 MW offshore wind turbines which have replaced 5 diesel generators that previously powered the island. A mere 10% of the output covers 100% of Block Island’s power consumption with the rest being exported to the mainland. Coastal Virginia Pilot Project : A pilot project ( 12 MW ) composed of two 6-megawatt offshore wind turbine generators located approximately 27 miles east of the city of Virginia Beach, Virginia in water depths up to 79 ft. The turbines are the first to be installed in United States federal waters and will be used to advise a larger commercial scale development. The pilot project has been fully operational since Fall 2020. Projects Under Construction: There are currently four projects under construction representing around 5 GW of renewable electricity. Vineyard Wind 1 : Vineyard Wind is currently building the nation's first utility-scale offshore wind project over 15 miles off the coast of Massachusetts with Avangrid & Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). The project will generate renewable energy for over 400,000 homes and businesses. The 806 MW project will consist of 62 General Electric Haliade-X turbines, each capable of generating 13 MW of electricity. Status : Construction activities began in Barnstable in November of 2021 where the onshore substation and onshore export cables are located. Offshore construction activities began in 2022 with offshore export cable installation. Wind turbine installation activities in the lease area began in 2023 and are ongoing. Vineyard Wind 1 achieved first power on January 2, 2024, when one turbine delivered approximately 5 MW of power to the electricity grid. On June 26, 2024, Avangrid announced that it had placed 10 turbines into production. The remaining monopile foundations and transition pieces are still being installed and cable laying operations for the inter-array cables will be conducted throughout April 2025. Recent News : A blade failure on July 13, 2024, resulted in a pause to construction along with immediate remediation efforts to clean up the debris. Vineyard plans to replace all blades from the GE factory in Gaspe, Canada and continue construction. As of January 17th, 2025, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has completed a review and approved the revised COP submitted by Vineyard Wind 1 and removed the suspension order on power generation and the installation of the remaining wind turbines. More information regarding the blade incident here. Revolution Wind : Revolution Wind, the first multi-state offshore wind project will supply 715 MW of offshore wind energy to Rhode Island and Connecticut – enough clean electricity to power more than 350,000 homes. The project by Ørsted & Skyborn will consist of 65 Siemens Gamesa 11-megawatt turbines 15 miles off the Rhode Island Coast and 32 miles southeast of the Connecticut coast. Revolution Wind is adjacent to the already completed South Fork Wind project. Status : Local construction work on Revolution Wind began in 2023 and the project is expected to be fully operational by 2026. Ørsted installed the project’s first monopile foundation in May and its first wind turbine in September. So far they have successfully installed 52 foundations and 9 turbines at Revolution Wind. Revolution Wind Fact Sheet Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project (CVOW) : The largest commercial-scale offshore wind farm in the U.S. ( 2.6 GW ) composed of 176 14.7-megawatt Siemens Gamesa turbines, which will create enough renewable energy to power up to 660,000 homes. It will be the largest offshore wind project in the nation and the first owned by an electric utility company — Dominion Energy . The CVOW project is credited with creating 2,000 direct and indirect American jobs and $2 billion of economic activity. Status : The project recently reached 50% completion as the final monopiles and transition pieces were installed and remains on track for completion by the end of 2026. As of November 2024, Dominion Energy announced that 78 monopile foundations and 4 offshore substation foundations were installed for the project during the first installation season. CVOW continues to achieve significant construction milestones including the successful installation of the first 16 transition pieces which serve as the junction between the foundation and tower for each of the 176 wind turbines. Delivery of the first three 4,300-ton offshore substations to the Portsmouth Marine Terminal in Virginia Beach occurred at the end of January and the first was installed by DEME Group in mid-March. Fully fabricated monopiles, transition pieces, undersea cable and other major components continue to be delivered in preparation for on-schedule installation. Wind turbine tower and blade fabrication is also underway, with nacelle fabrication to begin later this quarter. Check out the full construction timeline here. Sunrise Wind : A 924 MW project by Ørsted consisting of 84 Siemens Gamesa 8.0-167 Direct Drive (DD) wind turbines. Located 30 miles east of Long Island’s Montauk Point, the project has the capacity to power nearly 600,000 New York homes. Click here for the latest construction updates. Status : Onshore construction began in summer of 2024. The first phase of construction included the onshore converter station on Union Avenue in Holbrook and establishing laydown yards for equipment and material storage and set-up. As of September 2024, more than half of the advanced foundation components had already been built by Riggs Distler , as the project gears up for offshore construction in 2025. Sunrise Wind is expected to be operational sometime in 2027. Check out the latest construction report here . Projects With Approval, Not Yet Under Construction: Four projects representing about 3.8 GW of renewable energy. Empire Wind : Empire Wind is being built by Equinor and will be located 15-30 miles southeast of Long Island. The project is being developed in two phases. Empire Wind 1 will be composed of 54 Vestas 15 MW turbines with a nameplate capacity of 810 MW , powering 500,000 New York homes. A second part of the lease area, Empire Wind 2 is currently in early-stage development with options currently being assessed. It will bring power onshore at the Sunset Park Onshore Substation, located next to the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal. After that, the power will continue to Gowanus Brooklyn Substation where it will interconnect into the New York City grid. Status : Equinor finalized the federal lease for Empire Wind in March 2017 and BOEM issued final approval for the Final Construction and Operations Plan (COP) in February 2024. Construction on the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal began in June 2024, with a groundbreaking ceremony. The terminal will take about two years to complete construction. Offshore construction is expected to begin in 2025, and first power is expected to be delivered in late 2026. Empire Wind 1 is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2027. Financial close was reached at the end of December 2024 with the project securing a financing package of over $3 billion USD. Maryland Offshore Wind Project : The Maryland Offshore Wind Project by US Wind, Inc consists of three planned phases, which include the proposed installation of up to 114 wind turbine generators, up to four offshore substation platforms, one meteorological tower, and up to four offshore export cable corridors. Two phases, known as MarWin and Momentum Wind , already have offshore renewable energy certificates from the State of Maryland. As for the third phase, the developers plan to build out the remainder of the lease area to fulfill ongoing, government-sponsored demands for offshore wind energy. US Wind, Maryland’s leader in offshore wind development, holds the lease rights to a federal lease area off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland. The lease area, about 80,000 acres in size, has the capacity to generate about 2.2 GW of offshore wind energy, which is enough electricity to power over 700,000 homes each year. -The first phase of US Wind’s lease area, called “ MarWin ,” is an offshore wind project that will deliver approximately 300 MW of clean, renewable electricity to Maryland by constructing 22 turbines or less over 20 miles from shore. This will power more than 92,000 homes each year. In addition to building MarWin, which was approved by the state in 2017, US Wind now also plans to develop Momentum Wind , a new 808 MW offshore wind project that will be located 15 miles off the coast of Maryland with up to 55 turbines. When taken together, the two projects will deliver 1,100 MW of clean energy to the grid, powering more than 340,000 homes with renewable energy. More information here: Fact Sheet Status : On December 3rd, 2024, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued its final approval of the company’s Construction and Operations Plan (“COP”), marking the agency’s final permit on US Wind’s federal permitting application. Additionally, the National Marine Fisheries Services (“NMFS”) issued a Letter of Authorization to US Wind on November 26, 2024, marking that agency’s final authorization for US Wind’s construction in the federal lease area off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland. On December 10th, US Wind announced that the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has approved three permit applications to connect its offshore wind power to the regional electrical grid in Sussex County, Delaware. These approvals allow US Wind to responsibly land its power cables underneath 3R’s Beach parking lot in the Delaware Seashore State Park and safely route them under the Indian River Bay, ultimately connecting to the regional electrical grid at Delmarva Power and Light’s Indian River substation in Dagsboro, Delaware. US Wind plans to begin onshore construction in 2026 and offshore construction in 2028. New England Wind (NEW) 1 & 2 : Iberdrola through Avangrid , its subsidiary in the United States is building New England 1 & 2 which will border the already operational Vineyard Wind 1 to the south in New England. Together, these three projects would have a total capacity of up to 2.6 GW of clean, renewable energy that BOEM estimates could power more than 900,000 homes each year. The projects are situated approximately 20 nautical miles (nm) south of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, and about 24 nm southwest of Nantucket, Massachusetts. The Construction and Operations plan (COP) includes up to 129 wind turbine generators, with up to five offshore export cables transmitting electricity to onshore transmission systems in the Town of Barnstable and Bristol County, Massachusetts. In July 2024, Avangrid announced that it had received full federal approval of the COP for the New England Wind 1 and 2 offshore projects. The approval of the COP follows the favorable Record of Decision (ROD) issued by the Biden Administration in April 2024. Status : On May 15, 2024, the New England Wind project was segregated into two leases, New England Wind 1 (OCS-A 0534) and New England Wind 2 (OCS-A 0561). The northern portion of the original lease was retained by Park City Wind, LLC for the New England Wind 1 Project, formerly Phase 1, and retains the original lease number given by BOEM. The southern portion of the original lease was assigned to Commonwealth Wind, LLC and is now referred to as the New England Wind 2 project, formerly Phase 2. Avangrid had already secured power purchase agreements (PPAs) for the two projects with the state electric distribution companies in Massachusetts (for Commonwealth Wind) and Connecticut (for Park City Wind). However, the developer terminated both PPAs in 2023 with plans to re-enter the projects into new state solicitations. Last march, Avangrid submitted a combined proposal for the two projects which offer the region 1,870 MW of offshore wind power, enough to power nearly 1 million homes. The developer noted that New England Wind 2 is only offered as a combined project with New England Wind 1 to capture important economics of scale and support significant grid upgrades. They also submitted a proposal for just the NEW 1 project, slated to deliver 791 MW . NEW 1 (retained by Park City Wind): The first phase of the project will have an installed capacity of 791 MW , enough energy to power 400,000 homes in the region. With local, state, and federal permits, all interconnection rights secured, and a Project Labor Agreement signed, Avangrid is awaiting approval of a power purchase agreement to begin building this new project in 2025, which is slated to reach full commercial operation by 2029. As of September 6th 2024: Massachusetts selected 791 MW of the New England Wind 1 project. NEW 2 (retained by Commonwealth Wind): Phase 2 is planned to have an installed capacity of up to 1,080 MW , according to the documents at BOEM. On January 19, 2025, the EPA issued the final Clean Air Act Title V operating permit for Commonwealth Wind, LLC’s New England Wind 2 Offshore Wind Energy Development Project. Despite receiving federal approvals, the project is currently contingent upon New England Wind 1 moving forward. Delayed or Paused Projects: Seven projects representing 11.5 GW of renewable electricity. Vineyard Northeast : Avangrid & Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) proposes to construct and operate Vineyard Northeast which covers approximately 132,370 acres and is located approximately 31 miles from Nantucket, Massachusetts and 39 miles from Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. According to the Construction & Operations Plan (COP), Vineyard Northeast will include 160 total wind turbine generators (WTG) and is projected to generate around 2.6 GW of electricity, with the potential to power over 900,000 homes. Status : Permits have been submitted to federal authorities in mid-2024 but have not yet been approved and are unlikely to be under the Trump administration. It is assumed that this project is delayed due to political uncertainty. Attentive Energy : In 2022, Attentive Energy participated in a bid for a lease area in the New York Bight, covering 132 square miles off the coast of New York and New Jersey. Attentive Energy, a joint venture between TotalEnergies , Corio Generation , and Rise Light & Power , decided to split the site into two projects: AE1 & AE2. In October 2023, the Attentive Energy One ( 1,400 MW ) project was selected in New York’s third competitive offshore wind solicitation, which was later canceled due to ”technical and commercial complexities between provisional awardees and their partners”. The company decided not to rebid in New York’s latest offshore wind solicitation. Attentive Energy 2 (AE2): A Project off the coast of New Jersey with a capacity of 1,342 MW . In January 2024, it was selected by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). AE2 was set to move forward, with plans to continue development despite putting a pause on AE1 in New York due to potential political hurdles. The project was expected to be operational by 2031 but has been delayed for up to 4 years due to political uncertainties. Status : As of January 23 2025: Attentive Energy 2 have filed a 'Motion for Limited Stay' to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) asking for a year-long delay to pay required securities for the projects Commercial Operation Date (COD) commitment. The first payment, a deposit of USD 33.5 million, was due on 24 January 2025 alongside a USD 3.7 million payment with the state's Research and Monitoring Initiative (RMI). The reasons for this motion are cited as 'delays or uncertainty associated with common infrastructure'. Atlantic Shores South (Project 1 & 2): Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, LLC (ASOW) is a 50:50 partnership between Shell and EDF Renewables North America and its Lease Area is located approximately 10-20 miles off the coast of New Jersey between Atlantic City and Barnegat Light. ASOW owns three lease areas (Atlantic Shores North, Atlantic Shores South, & The New York Bite) totaling more than 400 square miles under active development. Atlantic Shores South Project 1 and 2 have a total capacity of up to 2,800 MW of clean, renewable energy that BOEM estimates could power close to one million homes each year. The projects are approximately 8.7 miles offshore New Jersey at its closest point. The approved COP includes up to 197 total positions for wind turbine generators, offshore substations, and a meteorological tower, with subsea transmission cables making landfall in Atlantic City and Sea Girt, New Jersey. Projects in the other two other lease areas are still in the planning phase and have not yet been approved. Status : In June of 2021, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities awarded Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind a contract to develop 1,510 MW in offshore wind energy, enough to power up to over 700,000 homes. On October 1st 2024, Atlantic Shores announced that it had received Construction and Operations Plan (COP) approvals from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for Projects 1 and 2. Following the changing political landscape and executive orders barring new offshore wind leasing, Shell pulled out of the project and EDF booked a $980 million impairment. EDF says it still hopes to build the project but is silent on when. As of May 14th, 2025, a federal appeals board ordered that a crucial air quality permit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued in October under the Biden Administration to be revoked, sending it back to the agency for further consideration. South Coast Wind 1 & 2 : OW Ocean Winds plans to build South Coast Wind 1 (formerly Mayflower Wind) which will deliver approximately 1,200 MW via an electric grid connection at Brayton Point/Somerset, Massachusetts in the late 2020s. The project area covers approximately 127,388 acres and is about 26 nautical miles (nm) south of Martha’s Vineyard and 20 nm south of Nantucket, Massachusetts. The approved COP includes the construction of up to 141 wind turbine generators and up to five offshore substation platforms located at a maximum of 143 positions, and up to eight offshore export cables located in up to two corridors, potentially making landfall in Brayton Point or Falmouth, Massachusetts. SouthCoast Wind is also looking at Brayton Point for interconnection of the second 1,200 MW of electricity generated in the lease area from South Coast Wind 2 . Falmouth, MA continues to remain an option for this second phase while grid capacity and timing of necessary upgrades are determined. Status : On January 17, 2025, BOEM announced the approval of the SouthCoast Wind Project Construction and Operations Plan (COP). The lease area has the potential to generate up to 2,400 MW of renewable energy for New England and power over 840,000 homes. EDPR and Engie recently booked an impairment of $139 million each and said the construction could be pushed back by up to 4 years from 2025 to 2029. They expect a delay due to the current administration and took a write-down on the asset to reflect the possibility of a four-year delay. Leading Light Wind : The Leading Light Wind project, a 2.4 GW offshore wind farm proposed by Invenergy and energyRe around 40 miles off the coast of New Jersey, is facing significant delays due to ongoing volatility in the wind turbine equipment market. Initially selected by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) in January 2024, the project encountered setbacks when its planned turbine supplier, GE Vernova , ceased production of the intended 18 MW turbines. Subsequent negotiations with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy resulted in substantial cost increases, and Vestas was deemed unsuitable, leaving Invenergy without a viable supplier. Status : Invenergy has requested multiple delays from the NJBPU, extending the project's contract pause to May 20, 2025, to navigate these challenges. The project was originally scheduled to begin construction in 2028 and operations in 2032 but this timeline is subject to change. Despite facing challenges, Invenergy remains committed to the project, emphasizing its potential environmental and economic benefits for New Jersey. Temporarily Cancelled Projects: Ten projects representing 9.6 GW of renewable electricity. While not all of these projects have been officially terminated, many require restructuring due to changes in market conditions, likely resulting in significant delays. Ocean Wind 1 and 2 : Ocean Wind 1 ( 1,100 MW ) and Ocean Wind 2 ( 1,148 MW ) were planned to be built off the coast of New Jersey totaling 2.2 GW of potential generation. In late 2023, Ørsted decided to cease the development of Ocean Wind 1 and 2. The projects experienced significant impacts from macroeconomic factors, including high inflation, rising interest rates and supply chain constraints, particularly a vessel delay on Ocean Wind 1 that considerably impacted project timing. The company intends to retain the seabed lease area and consider the best options as part of the ongoing portfolio review. Ørsted agreed to pay New Jersey $125 million to settle claims over the company's cancellation of the two offshore wind farm projects. Skipjack Wind 1 & 2 : The Skipjack Wind project, a 966 MW offshore wind project, was planned to be Maryland's first offshore wind project, located off the coast of the Delmarva Peninsula. In January 2024, Ørsted terminated its offtake agreement with the State of Maryland for the project, citing challenging market conditions (inflation, high-interest rates, and supply chain constraints). While Ørsted terminated the offtake agreement, they stated that they will continue advancing development and permitting for the project, including submitting an updated Construction and Operations plan to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). They also plan to reposition the project for future offtake opportunities. This decision came shortly after Ørsted cancelled its Ocean Wind projects in New Jersey. Vineyard 2 : A proposed 1,200 MW offshore wind project that could have powered 650,000 New England homes. While Massachusetts had agreed to buy 800 MW, the project's full viability depended on Connecticut's participation. The project is no longer moving forward in its original form because Connecticut declined to purchase the remaining 400 MW needed to complete the project, opting for solar and storage projects instead. Consequently, Vineyard Offshore withdrew from contract negotiations, as they couldn't secure the full 1,200 MW. Attentive Energy 1, Community Offshore Wind, and Excelsior Wind: In April 2024, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority ( NYSERDA ) cancelled three offshore wind projects, that had received provisional awards in October 2023, due to "technical and commercial complexities" and a change in turbine design by GE Vernova . A key factor in the cancellations was GE's decision to halt development of an 18-MW variant of its Haliade-X turbine, which the projects were planned to use. They decided to shift their focus to smaller turbines (15.5/16.5 MW) which led to technical and commercial complexities, making the projects no longer viable. This shift to smaller turbines meant that developers would need to install more turbines to achieve the promised electricity output, which would increase project costs dramatically. These cancelled projects represent 4 GW of provisionally awarded capacity. Attentive Energy 1 (AE1) : A 1,400 MW project set to deliver clean electricity to New York. AE1 was cancelled by NYSERDA in April 2024 due to changes in turbine technology from the preferred provider GE Vernova, which significantly impacted the cost and feasibility of the projects. NYSERDA launched New York's fifth competitive offshore wind solicitation (ORECRFP24-1) on July 17, 2024. Attentive Energy rebid the project but later withdrew. Attentive Energy cited the need to continue evaluating market conditions and future opportunities, while remaining committed to deploying offshore wind and contributing to regional goals. -AE’s statement from October 21, 2024: “Attentive Energy has decided to withdraw its bid from New York State’s fifth solicitation for offshore wind projects. Attentive Energy commends the State’s steadfast support of offshore wind and will continue to evaluate market conditions and future opportunities as they arise. As Attentive Energy continues to advance opportunities from our lease area, we remain committed to deploying offshore wind and contributing toward our region’s shared economic and environmental goals.” Community Offshore Wind : RWE and National Grid have partnered to jointly develop offshore wind projects in the Northeast U.S. As of October 18, 2024, Community Offshore Wind submitted their full proposal to provide clean offshore wind energy for the State of New York. The proposed project could deliver up to 2.8 GW of renewable energy, built in two phases in the developer’s federal offshore wind lease area in the New York Bight. 1,314 MW was planned to be developed in the first phase but was cancelled by NYSERDA. Excelsior Wind : Vineyard Offshore (owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners) plans to build a 1,350 MW project in the New York Bite, approximately 24 miles off the coast of Long Island. The wind farm would deliver enough electricity to power more than 700,000 New York homes. BOEM began an environmental review for Vineyard Mid-Atlantic where the project is located in January 2025. However, President Trump's memorandum pausing offshore wind activities led to the cancellation of scheduled public meetings, effectively halting the review process. Empire Wind 2 : Equinor and bp terminated the Empire Wind 2 project, a 1,260 MW offshore wind farm, citing increased costs, supply chain disruptions, and changing commercial conditions. The companies stated that inflation, interest rates, and supply chain disruptions made the project's existing Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificate (OREC) agreement no longer viable. The cancellation also included the termination of contracts for an offshore substation platform and scour rock installation. The project, previously a joint venture between Equinor and BP, has been reset, and the OREC agreement has been terminated. Equinor now holds full ownership of the Empire Wind projects (including Empire Wind 1 and 2), while BP has taken full ownership of Beacon Wind, which is still in the development process. Ice Breaker Wind (Great Lakes Pilot Project): The 20 MW project, spearheaded by the Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo), aimed to install six wind turbines about eight miles off the Cleveland shoreline to test the feasibility of offshore wind power in the Great Lakes. I ntended to be the first freshwater offshore wind farm in North America on Lake Erie, was put on hold indefinitely in December 2023 due to rising costs, challenges, and delays, despite having obtained all necessary permits. LEEDCo remains open to the possibility of partnering with another developer to take over the project, and board members remain optimistic that the project will come to fruition in Cleveland. Resources: Stay up to date on the status of ongoing offshore wind projects in the U.S. Offshore Wind Power Hub : tracks offshore wind policies, projects, and lease areas in the United States, and provides a platform for advocates and policymakers to collaborate and share resources. Check out this interactive map to see all of the ongoing projects in the U.S. Northeast Ocean Data Portal : provides free, user-friendly access to expert-reviewed interactive maps and data on the ocean ecosystem, economy, and culture of the northeastern United States. 4C Offshore (TGS) Offshore Wind Database : 4C Offshore marine intelligence software provides exclusive access to a range of specialized services including the Offshore Substation Database, offline databases, reports, newsletters, online tools and more. You will need Full access to use the 4C Offshore interactive system, access reports, updates, news, and downloads. BOEM Offshore Renewable Activities : Search by state or project for information on U.S. offshore wind projects or use the interactive map. Previous Next

< Back Meet Charybdis: America's First Domestic Wind Turbine Installation Vessel February 7, 2025 The Charybdis, the United States' first domestically built wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV), represents a landmark $715 million investment in the future of American energy independence. This cutting-edge vessel, built at Seatrium AmFELS, Inc. shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, is poised to strengthen the U.S. offshore wind industry and pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. While the cost of this pioneering vessel has increased from initial estimates (around $500 million), this reflects the complexities of developing a brand-new industry and incorporating the latest technological advancements. The Charybdis' final design incorporates crucial modifications to handle the newest generation of wind turbines, ensuring its long-term viability and maximizing its contribution to U.S. energy goals. This investment in advanced technology will ultimately pay dividends in increased efficiency and performance. The 472-foot Charybdis is a critical component of Dominion Energy 's ambitious Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project. As a Jones Act-compliant vessel, it plays a vital role in strengthening domestic shipbuilding and maritime industries. This compliance ensures that American jobs and expertise are at the forefront of this burgeoning sector. Although the Charybdis project has faced some delays, these are typical of complex, first-of-their-kind endeavors. The project is now nearing completion, with delivery expected sometime in 2025. This timeline reflects a commitment to quality and precision, ensuring the vessel's reliability and safety for years to come. The Charybdis offers significant advantages to the U.S. offshore wind industry. Its Jones Act compliance streamlines installation processes, eliminating the need for feeder vessels and mitigating weather-related delays. This translates to greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the long run. Moreover, a U.S.-flagged WTIV reduces reliance on foreign vessels, securing America's energy future and fostering domestic expertise. The CVOW project, now well underway (recently reaching 50% completion), is a testament to the potential of offshore wind to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. The Charybdis project alone generated over 1,200 jobs at its peak, and the CVOW project is creating thousands more in Virginia. This investment in clean energy is an investment in American communities and the American workforce. Dominion's commitment to the CVOW project, even with the increased costs and political headwinds, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to energy development. The company recognizes the long-term benefits of offshore wind and is willing to invest in the infrastructure necessary to make it a reality. The anticipated modest increase in customer bills (around 43 cents per month) underscores the company's commitment to balancing affordability with sustainability. “Charybdis is vital not only to CVOW but also to the growth of the offshore wind industry along the U.S. East Coast and is key to the continued development of a domestic supply chain by providing a homegrown solution for the installation of offshore wind turbines,” said Bob Blue, Dominion Energy's chair, president and chief executive officer. The Charybdis is more than just a ship; it's a symbol of American ingenuity and a commitment to a cleaner energy future. Its launch and upcoming sea trials mark a pivotal moment in the development of a robust domestic offshore wind industry. This vessel, and the projects it will support, represent a significant stride towards U.S. energy independence and a more sustainable future. Sources Marine Link, Work Boat, & Marine Insight Previous Next

< Back Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project Continues Amidst Industry Headwinds January 27, 2025 The recent executive order temporarily halting new federal wind leases has created uncertainty within the US offshore wind industry. While this pause may impact future projects, the construction of the $9.8 billion Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project continues to progress. Dominion Energy , the developer of CVOW, remains confident in the completion of this 2.6 GW project, which is scheduled to be operational in 2026 and capable of powering 660,000 homes. As of November 2024, half of the monopile foundations for the 174 turbines had been installed roughly 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach. Recent developments include the departure of a heavy load carrier from the Port of Aalborg, Denmark, carrying 18 transition pieces for CVOW. This shipment, delivered by CS WIND Offshore , brings the total number of delivered transition pieces to 69. Despite challenging weather conditions, the loading operation was successfully completed, and the vessel is now in route to the US for installation by DEME Group . While Dominion emphasizes the long-term bipartisan support for Virginia's clean energy transition, the future of its other offshore wind leases, planned for development in the 2030s, remains uncertain due to the ongoing federal review of wind energy policies. The company secured a 176,000-acre lease adjacent to its existing CVOW project for $17.6 million in a federal auction last year. Additionally, they acquired Kitty Hawk North Wind, a 40,000-acre lease off the Outer Banks, from Avangrid Renewables for $160 million. Neither of these newly acquired leases have received the necessary federal permits for development, making their estimated cost and timeline currently unknown. Dominion has also implemented risk mitigation strategies, such as selling a stake in the CVOW project, to navigate potential challenges. Credit: Virginia Business Previous Next

< Back Offshore Wind: The Only Practical Solution to Meeting New York’s Growing Electricity Demands June 5, 2025 A new report from Aurora Energy Research , commissioned by the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACENY), concluded that offshore wind is the only viable near-term solution to address downstate New York's escalating energy reliability concerns. This finding is particularly urgent as the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) projects potential electricity shortfalls in New York City as early as this year. The urgency is underscored by a variety of factors straining the energy system in New York City and Long Island. These downstate regions face rising reliability challenges driven by significant transmission constraints, which make importing sufficient generation difficult and costly to expand. Compounding this, New York’s peak demand is forecasted to grow quickly, largely due to increased electrification, with winter demand seeing particularly sharp increases. Furthermore, tightening capacity margins are a critical concern; NYISO has estimated that New York City could experience a deficit of up to 461 MW for several hours in 2025 if the planned retirements of older, fossil fuel-fired generators proceed, highlighting an immediate need for new, local power sources. Finding enough land for new power sources in downstate New York is a major hurdle. This scarcity not only limits how much new energy infrastructure can be built but also significantly drives up construction costs. In fact, Aurora estimates it's about 1.4 times more expensive to build new energy projects in downstate regions compared to upstate. Offshore wind neatly avoids this problem because its power generation facilities are located out at sea, with minimal land use on the coast. This is a huge advantage for densely populated areas like New York City (Zone J) and Long Island (Zone K). Aurora's long-term modeling shows that New York will need approximately 15 GW of offshore wind by 2040. If the state tried to get the same amount of power from solar, it would need around 520 square miles of land. For land-based wind power, it would be about 680 square miles. Even if New York City tried to generate the needed electricity with traditional sources, it would still require developing 15 square miles of land (roughly 1,750 Manhattan city blocks). The report also notes that alternatives to offshore wind face significant challenges other than land use. For instance, developing new natural gas power plants (thermal generation) is severely hampered by shortages in essential components like gas turbines, leading to long project lead times that can extend up to eight years. This bottleneck is intensified by surging global demand for these turbines; GE Vernova , one of the world's largest manufacturers, reported a 90% increase in orders between 2023 and 2024, directly contributing to these extended timelines. Meanwhile, other potential zero-emission technologies, such as small modular nuclear reactors or hydrogen-fuel peaking plants, have not yet reached the commercial scale required to make a significant impact in the near term. Offshore wind is uniquely positioned to meet this growing demand. According to Aurora, it is the only net-new generation capacity currently in the queue for New York that can realistically add supply within this decade. To interconnect into the NYISO grid, projects are required to enter the interconnection queue (ICQ). Clearing the queue takes several years, giving an indication of all capacity likely to come online in the next ~4 years. While 1.8 GW of battery storage (BESS) and 1.3 GW of transmission could be online by 2027, offshore wind is the only net new generation capacity in the queue for downstate NY. "Offshore wind is poised to provide much needed relief to the tightening NYISO system," said Julia Hoos, Head of USA East at Aurora Energy Research. "Without offshore wind, we find that New York becomes increasingly dependent on importing power from its neighbors in New England and the Mid-Atlantic — and those regions face tight conditions at exactly the same time. Offshore wind can help alleviate this pressure and shelter New Yorkers from high energy prices associated with cold winters and fluctuating gas prices.” Key benefits of offshore wind highlighted in the report include: Enhanced Energy Independence: Developing in-state offshore wind reduces reliance on imports, particularly during peak winter periods when neighboring regions also face high demand. Consumer Cost Savings: Aurora estimates that if the Empire Wind 1, Sunrise Wind, and South Fork Wind projects had been operational during a single cold, high-cost month in 2022, New Yorkers could have saved $77 million in electricity costs. These savings are projected to be even higher in future winters. Land-Use Efficiency: To meet New York’s energy goals, approximately 15 GW of offshore wind would be needed by 2040. Generating the equivalent with solar or land-based wind would require over 600 square miles of land, a significant challenge in space-constrained downstate New York. Meeting Climate Goals: Offshore wind deployment is crucial for decarbonization, potentially leading to a decrease in the social cost of carbon by up to $1 billion in annual savings by 2040. Overall, the evidence strongly indicates that offshore wind is uniquely positioned to address New York's burgeoning energy demands in the most economically sound way. It stands out as the optimal path forward to maintain affordable energy prices, especially during challenging winter months, while simultaneously bolstering grid reliability and advancing the state's energy independence. With mounting pressure on the existing energy infrastructure and a scarcity of viable alternatives, the findings of the Aurora report underscore that investing in offshore wind is not just a timely and practical decision, but an essential one for securing New York’s energy future. Check out the full report by Aurora Energy Research here: Meeting New York’s Energy Needs: Reliability & Offshore Wind Previous Next

Offshore Wind Blade Testing and Inspection Workshop Offshore wind blade testing and inspection is a critical aspect of ensuring the reliability and longevity of wind turbines in harsh marine environments. This process involves a range of techniques and considerations, including blade manufacturing, materials science, aerodynamics, structural integrity, and environmental factors. Keywords related to this field encompass blade design, composite materials (fiberglass, carbon fiber, resin), manufacturing processes (layup, molding, infusion), quality control, non-destructive testing (NDT), ultrasonic testing (UT), phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT), eddy current testing (ET), radiographic testing (RT), thermography, visual inspection, borescope inspection, crack detection, delamination, fatigue testing, static testing, dynamic testing, bend testing, tensile testing, shear testing, buckling, vibration analysis, modal analysis, finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), blade aerodynamics, lift, drag, turbulence, wind loads, extreme weather conditions (storms, icing), salt spray corrosion, UV degradation, erosion, leading edge erosion, trailing edge damage, lightning strike protection, blade repair, blade maintenance, offshore operations, remote sensing, drone inspection, aerial inspection, underwater inspection, robotics, automation, data analysis, predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, structural health monitoring (SHM), sensors, strain gauges, accelerometers, acoustic emission, oil and gas industry parallels, marine environment, offshore wind farms, renewable energy, sustainable energy, wind energy technology, levelized cost of energy (LCOE), energy production, grid integration, safety, risk assessment, certification, standards (IEC, DNV GL), regulatory compliance, blade transportation, blade installation, offshore logistics, metocean data, weather forecasting, blade optimization, performance analysis, cost-effectiveness, lifecycle assessment, failure analysis, root cause analysis, warranty claims, insurance, offshore wind technicians, blade specialists, training, safety procedures, access systems, working at height, confined space entry, personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency response, search and rescue, environmental impact, marine ecosystems, noise pollution, visual impact, stakeholder engagement, community relations, permitting, environmental regulations, offshore wind development, project planning, due diligence, feasibility studies, risk management, supply chain, manufacturing capacity, logistics, port infrastructure, vessel availability, heavy lift vessels, jack-up vessels, crew transfer vessels, cable laying vessels, offshore construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance (O&M), service agreements, spare parts, inventory management, logistics optimization, digitalization, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), digital twins, simulation, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), remote operations centers, autonomous systems, robotics in offshore wind, underwater robotics, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), oceanographic surveys, bathymetry, seabed mapping, geotechnical investigations, environmental monitoring, marine mammals, bird strikes, wildlife protection, environmental impact assessment (EIA), social impact assessment (SIA), community benefits, job creation, local content, supply chain development, economic development, sustainable development goals (SDGs), climate change mitigation, decarbonization, energy transition, green energy, clean energy, renewable energy targets, policy support, government incentives, offshore wind industry, global market, market trends, technological advancements, research and development, innovation, collaboration, knowledge sharing, best practices, industry standards, safety culture, continuous improvement, operational excellence, asset integrity management, risk-based inspection, reliability-centered maintenance, predictive maintenance strategies, condition-based maintenance, life extension, repowering, decommissioning, end-of-life management, circular economy, recycling, waste management, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, corporate governance, ethical business practices, transparency, accountability, stakeholder engagement, community involvement, social license to operate, public acceptance, environmental stewardship, climate action, sustainable development. Offshore Wind Blade Testing and Inspection Workshop Price $1,250 Duration 1-Day Dates July 24, 2025 Format In-Person WTTC, MA Course Status Open Enroll < Back Offshore Wind Blade Testing and Inspection Workshop This workshop provides comprehensive training on the testing and inspection of offshore wind blades, covering essential topics such as certification processes, inspection methods, typical findings, and repair options. Led by industry experts, participants will gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience to effectively evaluate the condition of wind turbine blades and ensure their safety and performance. This course takes place from 9am to 4pm EST. Wind Technology Testing Center This workshop will be held in person at the Wind Technology Testing Center (WTTC) in Massachusetts. Registration costs do not cover travel or accommodation expenses. Course Objectives: - Understand the certification process and international standards for offshore wind blades. - Learn various inspection methods, including contact and non-contact techniques. - Identify typical findings during blade inspections, such as delamination, cracks, and manufacturing deviations. - Explore repair options for addressing blade damage and defects. - Gain practical insights into blade testing and inspection through interactive sessions and real-world case studies. What Attendees Think: “The Offshore Wind Blade Testing and Inspection Workshop was very informative. Having the ability to see the scale and size of these blades in person allows one to put the inspecting process into perspective. Knowing what’s possible when it comes to inspecting blades will give one a better understanding of the decisions made during operations and management of wind turbines.” - Baker P. Lead Engineer – Testing, GE Vernova Who Should Attend: This workshop is designed for professionals involved in the maintenance, inspection, and management of offshore wind turbines, including wind farm operators and maintenance personnel, inspectors and technicians responsible for blade inspections, engineers and project managers in the renewable energy sector, and regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders seeking to enhance their understanding of offshore wind blade testing and inspection. Any professional who is interested in a hands-on visit to a blade testing center is welcomed. Course Outline: Module 1: WTTC Overview and Tour - Roundtable Introductions and Icebreaker 20 minutes - WTTC Blade Testing Presentation 30 minutes - WTTC Tour 1 hour - Coffee/Snack Break 10 minutes Module 2: Certification Process and Blade Testing environment - IEC 61400 and IECRE - IEC 61400 chapters -1,-5, -23 - International blade testing environment Module 3a: Blade Inspection Methods - Contact - Internal Visual - External Visual - Tap Testing Lunch / Table Topics Lunch with rotating question prompts to guide and promote discussion across multiple offshore wind subjects. Module 3b: Blade Inspection Methods – Non-contact - IR - Acoustic - Ultrasonic Module 4: Typical Findings - Delamination - Paste Cracks (transverse, longitudinal) - Manufacturing deviations - Panel gaps - Paste thickness and paste gaps - Wrinkles - Shipping / Handling damage - Lightning - Bolt loosening / failure - Coffee Break Module 5: Repair Options - Factory Repairs - Up-tower repairs - Blade removal - Typical Repairs Course Completion Certificate: Upon completing at least 50% of the course and achieving a minimum passing score of 50% on a post-course assessment, participants will receive a course certificate valid for three years. This certificate verifies that the essential learning outcomes of the course have been met. While not mandatory, this certification is currently undergoing an accreditation process to further enhance its value, allowing it to be used for job applications, promotions, and professional license renewals, such as the PE (Professional Engineer) license. Course Instructor George Blagdon Engineering Director, WTTC George is the Engineering Director at the Wind Technology Testing Center and has been active in wind turbine blade testing for over 12 years. Over this time, he has led the transition to testing ultra-long blades and will play a key role in the future plans of the facility. George leads a team of test engineers and takes a hands-on approach to engineering, never passing on an opportunity to climb in a blade. He acts as an expert technical assessor within the IECRE accreditation scheme, spending time in test facilities worldwide, and participates on the maintenance team for the IEC 61400-23 specification. Passionate about early STEM education, he has played a role in hosting hundreds of high school students for tours at the facility. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UMass Dartmouth and an M.B.A from UMass Boston. Outside of work, you can find him spending time with family, working on the house, or getting lost in mountain biking trails.

Offshore Wind Operation and Maintenance Offshore wind operations and maintenance (O&M) is a complex field encompassing a wide range of activities crucial for maximizing energy production and minimizing downtime. Key terms include wind turbine, blade, gearbox, generator, nacelle, tower, foundation, subsea cable, offshore substation, met mast, SCADA, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, repair, replacement, troubleshooting, diagnostics, inspections, surveys, diving operations, ROV, AUV, vessel, crew transfer vessel (CTV), service operation vessel (SOV), helicopter, crane, lifting, rigging, logistics, supply chain, spare parts, inventory management, QHSE, health and safety, risk assessment, weather downtime, turbine availability, capacity factor, energy yield, levelized cost of energy (LCOE), O&M cost, lifecycle cost, warranty, contract, service agreement, OEM, independent service provider (ISP), digitalization, data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital twin, remote sensing, LiDAR, sonar, underwater inspection, maintenance planning, scheduling, optimization, crew training, certification, offshore access, working at height, confined space entry, emergency response, search and rescue, marine coordination, port operations, onshore support, grid connection, transmission, balance of plant, environmental impact, marine environment, wildlife, noise pollution, decommissioning, repowering, wind farm, offshore wind farm, renewable energy, clean energy, sustainable energy, climate change, energy transition, offshore engineering, metocean data, bathymetry, geotechnical survey, cable laying, scour protection, turbine installation, commissioning, performance testing, grid integration, power purchase agreement (PPA), stakeholder engagement, community benefits, supply chain localization, local content, economic development, job creation, innovation, research and development, technology advancement, offshore wind technician, maintenance technician, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, control systems engineer, data scientist, project manager, logistics coordinator, QHSE manager, marine coordinator, vessel captain, diving supervisor, ROV pilot, wind turbine technician tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), safety harness, rescue equipment, communication systems, navigation systems, weather forecasting, sea state, wave height, current, wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, visibility, offshore safety, marine safety, risk management, emergency procedures, first aid, offshore medical, search and rescue, helicopter operations, winch operations, crane operations, lifting operations, rigging operations, mooring, anchoring, diving operations, ROV operations, underwater operations, cable repair, turbine repair, blade repair, gearbox repair, generator repair, nacelle repair, tower repair, foundation repair, subsea cable repair, offshore substation maintenance, preventative maintenance schedule, corrective maintenance plan, spare parts management, inventory control, logistics planning, supply chain management, contract management, warranty claims, performance monitoring, data analysis, reporting, key performance indicators (KPIs), O&M budget, cost control, cost optimization, lifecycle management, asset management, risk mitigation, safety culture, training programs, competency development, offshore wind industry, renewable energy industry, maritime industry, oil and gas industry experience, transferable skills, career opportunities, offshore wind jobs, green jobs, sustainable development, climate action. Offshore Wind Operation and Maintenance Price $1,650 (Early Bird: $1,320 until July 1) Duration 2-Day Dates September 22-23, 2025 Format Virtual (Live) Course Status Open Enroll < Back Offshore Wind Operation and Maintenance This two-day intensive training is designed to equip professionals with a comprehensive understanding of offshore wind operations and maintenance (O&M). Participants will gain in-depth insights into best practices, asset management, safety protocols, emergency response, cost optimization, and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of offshore wind O&M. Through expert-led sessions, real-world case studies, and interactive discussions, attendees will develop the skills needed to enhance wind farm performance, minimize downtime, and ensure long-term sustainability in this rapidly evolving industry. This course is expected to run 9-16h each day Course Learning Objectives : Gain a comprehensive understanding of the offshore wind industry, key components, and the importance of effective operations and maintenance (O&M) Learn maintenance strategies, troubleshooting methods, and safety standards (such as GWO compliance) to enhance operational efficiency Explore data collection, analysis, and performance assessment techniques to optimize O&M strategies Understand emergency response planning, incident management, and root cause analysis to handle offshore wind emergencies effectively Learn cost-control strategies, budget allocation techniques, and cost-benefit analysis for efficient offshore maintenance Stay updated on innovations like AI-driven predictive maintenance, robotics, and automation, as well as sustainability practices for long-term offshore wind growth Who Should Attend? This course is ideal for professionals in the offshore wind sector, including: Project Developers & Managers – Optimize operational strategies and decision-making Environmental & Safety Experts – Understand compliance, risk mitigation, and safety protocols Maintenance & Service Providers – Enhance efficiency in offshore maintenance activities Operations Managers & Technicians – Gain technical expertise in O&M best practices Regulatory & Compliance Officers – Stay updated on industry standards and policies Energy Analysts & Investors – Learn about cost optimization and financial risks in O&M Government Officials & Policymakers – Develop insights into offshore wind sustainability and industry growth Course Outline Day 1: Fundamentals of Offshore Wind Operations and Asset Management Module 1: I ntroduction to Offshore Wind Operations (GE Vernova & Orsted) Offshore wind industry overview Importance of effective O&M Key components of offshore wind farms Module 2: General operating framework (GE Vernova & Orsted) Logistics Maintenance & Troubleshooting Safety standards & requirements (GWO) Module 3: OEM and Owner/Operator Asset Management Strategies (Orsted) Group exercise: Construct a wind farm and determine the O&M strategy based on given framework parameters Module 4: Data Analysis and Reporting (GE Vernova) Data collection and analysis Performance assessment Reporting for optimized O&M Module 5: Area-specific Deep Dive (Orsted) Permitting & regulation Local engagement and tax Wildlife and environmental impact assessments Sustainability practices in O&M Case studies in environmental responsibility Day 2: Advanced O&M Strategies & Best Practices Module 6: Team Coordination & Maintenance Logistics (GE Vernova) Effective team management and communication in offshore O&M Master Maintenance Schedule (MMS): Planning and execution of: Preventive Maintenance Campaigns Planned Corrective Maintenance Unplanned Corrective Maintenance Logistics planning for offshore operations (crew transfers, vessels, and access solutions) Module 7: Emergency Preparedness & Incident Management (GE Vernova) Emergency response planning & risk mitigation Technical Readiness Level (TRL): Assessing O&M capabilities Lifespan (LS) considerations in O&M strategies Root Cause Analysis (RCA) & handling Non-Conformities (NCs) Case studies on real-world offshore wind emergencies Module 8: Cost Control & Budgeting in Offshore O&M (GE Vernova) Production-Based Availability (PBA) vs. Time-Based Availability (TBA) Budget allocation strategies for efficient O&M Cost-benefit analysis of different maintenance approaches Module 9: Technology & Innovation in Offshore O&M (GE Vernova) Emerging O&M technologies: Smart fasteners (I-bolts) with integrated sensors Drones & crawlers for turbine blade & tower inspections Robotic solutions for blade repairs and tower cleaning Automation & AI applications in predictive maintenance The future of digitalization in offshore wind O&M Module 10: Sustainable Growth & Industry Outlook (GE Vernova) Sustainable O&M practices for offshore wind longevity Industry trends & future job opportunities in offshore wind Preparing for the next decade of offshore wind growth Course Completion Certificate: Upon completing at least 50% of the course and achieving a minimum passing score of 50% on a post-course assessment, participants will receive a course certificate valid for three years. This certificate verifies that the essential learning outcomes of the course have been met. While not mandatory, this certification is currently undergoing an accreditation process to further enhance its value, allowing it to be used for job applications, promotions, and professional license renewals, such as the PE (Professional Engineer) license. Course Instructors: Cristina Fernandez Alonso, Product Service Engineer GE Vernova Cristina Fernández Alonso is a Product Service Engineer at GE Vernova, specializing in Offshore Wind Operation & Maintenance (O&M). With over 11 years of experience in the energy sector, she has developed deep expertise in wind turbine reliability, blade performance, and fleet support. Cristina began her career as a consultant in the oil and gas industry in Lyon, France, before joining GE Power’s Edison Engineering Development Program (EEDP). She then transitioned to GE Renewable Energy, where she has spent nearly eight years in various roles, including Fleet Performance Engineer and Product Service Engineer – Blades. In her current role, she leads root cause analyses (RCA) for complex technical issues affecting offshore wind turbine operations, supports field technicians and service teams worldwide, and contributes to new blade product introductions to enhance fleet reliability and performance. Florian Büter, Head of Owner Management GOW01/GOW02 Ørsted Florian Büter is Head of Owner Management for the German offshore wind farms Gode Wind 1 & 2 and one of the Managing Directors of these assets. He has more than 16 years of experience in the renewable energy industry with focus on Asset Management and Quality Management. Florian started his career with a dual study program at GE Wind Energy, then worked for a Swiss utility and started his master’s studies in parallel. During his second tenure in GE, he worked as Quality Manager in the onshore and offshore business. Florian joined Ørsted in 2019 as Commercial Manager, and in the following years held various positions in the Commercial Team before moving to his current role, where he leads a team of Commercial Managers and is responsible for a number of projects across the German portfolio. Alexander Kulesh, Offshore Wind Portfolio Asset Manager Ørsted Alexander Kulesh is a seasoned wind energy professional with over a decade of experience in the renewable energy sector. His experience spans roles within Operations and Asset Management across onshore and offshore wind in Europe and the US. Passionate about the transition to a low-carbon future, he is a frequent collaborator on industry initiatives and a dedicated advocate for clean energy advancement.

Offshore Wind Ports and Vessels Course Offshore wind ports and vessels are crucial for the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of offshore wind farms. Key elements include port infrastructure like heavy lift quays, deep-water berths, storage areas, and assembly yards for turbine components (blades, nacelles, towers). Vessel types are diverse, encompassing wind turbine installation vessels (WTIVs) or jack-up vessels, capable of lifting and installing turbines at sea; crew transfer vessels (CTVs) or fast crew boats for transporting personnel to and from the wind farms; service operation vessels (SOVs) acting as floating accommodation and maintenance platforms; cable laying vessels for subsea cable installation and repair; survey vessels for site assessment and seabed mapping; guard vessels for site security; and tugboats for maneuvering and assisting larger vessels. Port operations involve logistics, crane operations, heavy cargo handling, and supply chain management. Vessel operations require specialized navigation, dynamic positioning systems, offshore lifting expertise, and adherence to stringent safety regulations. Related terms include offshore wind farm development, renewable energy, marine engineering, port management, vessel chartering, metocean data (meteorological and oceanographic), wind resource assessment, environmental impact assessment, consenting process, project finance, supply chain, manufacturing, turbine components, gearbox, generator, rotor, blades, nacelle, tower, foundation, monopile, jacket, transition piece, scour protection, cable installation, subsea cable, export cable, inter-array cable, offshore substation, transformer, grid connection, operations and maintenance (O&M), repair, inspection, remote sensing, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), ROVs (remotely operated vehicles), diving operations, safety at sea, marine environment, marine mammals, seabirds, benthic habitats, noise mitigation, navigational safety, aids to navigation, port security, ISPS code, customs regulations, port fees, vessel traffic management, port expansion, dredging, land reclamation, coastal infrastructure, climate change, decarbonization, energy transition, green energy, sustainable development, maritime law, international regulations, classification societies, flag state, port state control, maritime safety, search and rescue, emergency response, offshore logistics, heavy lift cranes, mobile cranes, crawler cranes, gantry cranes, storage facilities, warehouses, laydown areas, fabrication yards, marshalling yards, project management, engineering design, procurement, construction, installation, commissioning, decommissioning, life cycle assessment, risk management, insurance, financing, investment, stakeholders, community engagement, local content, supply chain localization, workforce development, training, certification, apprenticeships, skilled labor, marine technicians, wind turbine technicians, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, naval architects, marine surveyors, port operators, vessel owners, charterers, shipyards, dry docks, maintenance facilities, repair yards, spare parts, logistics providers, fuel supply, bunkering, port access, channel depth, turning basin, navigation channels, mooring systems, fenders, bollards, quayside equipment, container handling, breakbulk cargo, project cargo, heavy cargo, out-of-gauge cargo, hazardous cargo, cargo securing, lashing, securing arrangements, weather forecasting, sea state, wave height, wind speed, current speed, tidal currents, visibility, ice conditions, marine traffic, AIS (Automatic Identification System), radar, VHF radio, communication systems, emergency communication, distress signals, safety equipment, life rafts, lifeboats, fire fighting equipment, pollution control, oil spill response, ballast water management, anti-fouling systems, marine growth, biofouling, corrosion, cathodic protection, underwater inspection, repair techniques, diving equipment, ROV operations, underwater welding, cable repair, turbine maintenance, blade repair, gearbox maintenance, generator maintenance, hydraulic systems, lubrication, condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics, data analytics, digital twins, artificial intelligence, machine learning, offshore safety, health and safety, risk assessment, hazard identification, safe work practices, personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency procedures, rescue operations, first aid, medical evacuation, offshore regulations, IMO (International Maritime Organization), SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea), MARPOL (Marine Pollution), ILO (International Labour Organization), environmental regulations, EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment), habitat protection, species conservation, noise pollution, visual impact, landscape impact, cultural heritage, archaeological sites, marine archaeology, stakeholder engagement, public consultation, community benefits, economic development, job creation, local businesses, supply chain development, skills development, education, training programs, research and development, innovation, technology advancements, cost reduction, competitiveness, grid parity, energy security, climate change mitigation, renewable energy targets, sustainable energy, energy policy, offshore wind industry, global market, market trends, industry growth, investment opportunities, financing models, project finance, risk management, due diligence, legal framework, regulatory approvals, permitting process, consenting process, environmental permits, marine licenses, navigation permits, construction permits, operational permits, decommissioning plans, environmental monitoring, compliance, reporting, audits, inspections, enforcement, best practices, industry standards, certification schemes, quality management, health and safety management, environmental management system, social responsibility, corporate sustainability, sustainable development goals (SDGs), corporate governance, transparency, accountability, ethics, anti-corruption, human rights, labor rights, community relations, stakeholder engagement, public consultation, social impact assessment, environmental impact assessment, economic impact assessment, cultural impact assessment, cumulative impacts, mitigation measures, compensation measures, environmental monitoring, compliance monitoring, reporting requirements, data management, information sharing, knowledge transfer, capacity building, education and training, research and development, innovation, technology transfer, collaboration, partnerships, industry associations, government agencies, regulatory bodies, research institutions, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, local communities, indigenous communities, stakeholders, public, media, communication, outreach, awareness raising, education campaigns, public engagement, consultation processes, feedback mechanisms, grievance mechanisms, dispute resolution, conflict resolution, mediation, arbitration, legal proceedings, environmental law, maritime law, contract law, commercial law, insurance law, liability, negligence, force majeure, dispute settlement, jurisdiction, applicable law, governing law, choice of law, arbitration clause, dispute resolution clause, legal costs, expert witnesses, legal representation, legal advice, legal opinions, due diligence, legal compliance, regulatory compliance, environmental compliance, health and safety compliance, contractual compliance, insurance coverage, risk transfer, indemnification, liability insurance, property insurance, marine insurance, cargo insurance, construction all risks insurance, operational all risks insurance, professional indemnity insurance, directors and officers liability insurance, cyber insurance, political risk insurance, war risk insurance, marine war risks insurance, terrorism insurance, environmental liability insurance, pollution liability insurance, consequential loss insurance, business interruption insurance, delay in start-up insurance, increased cost of working insurance, claims handling, loss adjustment, subrogation, recovery, reinsurance, insurance brokers, risk managers, loss adjusters, marine surveyors, insurance underwriters, insurance companies, reinsurance companies, insurance market, insurance premiums, insurance policies, insurance contracts, insurance claims, insurance disputes, insurance litigation, insurance arbitration, insurance mediation, insurance regulation, insurance supervision, financial regulation, prudential regulation, conduct of business regulation, market conduct regulation, consumer protection, financial ombudsman, dispute resolution mechanisms, alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, litigation, court proceedings, legal costs, expert witnesses, legal representation, legal advice, legal opinions, due diligence, legal compliance, regulatory compliance, environmental compliance, health and safety compliance, contractual compliance, insurance coverage, risk transfer, indemnification. Offshore Wind Ports and Vessels Course Price Please inquire Duration 2-Day Dates On demand - Enroll now Format Virtual (Live) Course Status Open Enroll < Back Offshore Wind Ports and Vessels Course The Offshore Wind Port and Vessels Training Course provides a comprehensive understanding of the port and vessel operations within the offshore wind industry. This course covers the essential elements of supporting logistics and transportation requirements for offshore wind projects. Participants will explore the core functions, challenges, and best practices associated with port and vessel management in the offshore wind sector. This course will take place from 9am until 4pm EST each day. Course Objectives: - Gain insights into the role of ports and vessels in offshore wind project logistics. - Explore different types of vessels used in offshore wind projects. - Understand the infrastructure and operations required for offshore wind ports. - Examine regulatory and safety considerations for port and vessel operations. - Learn about project management and planning for port and vessel activities. - Analyze real-world case studies and industry best practices in offshore wind port and vessel management. Who Should Attend: - Professionals in offshore wind logistics and transportation. - Project managers, engineers, and developers in the offshore wind sector. - Port and vessel operators and managers. - Government officials, policymakers, and union affiliations in the renewable energy sector. - Skilled Trades and Technical Roles - Anyone interested in gaining expertise in offshore wind port and vessel management. Course Outline: Day One Module 1: Introduction to the course - Offshore Wind Ports - Contrast to Other Types of Ports Overview of the offshore wind industry. Factors influencing port location and selection. Module 2: Port Types and the Vessels that use them. Marshalling Ports Facility Storage Port Facility Manufacturing Port Facility Operation and Maintenance Facility Service Port Module 3: US vs EU Ports A comparative analysis of offshore wind ports in the United States and the European Union. Module 4: Ports Construction for Fixed Bottom Strategic Ports Evaluation Preliminary Assessment and Planning Environmental/ Geophysical Geotechnical & Intro to Load Bearing Capacity Permitting, Design and Procurement Construction/ Oversight Operation and Maintenance Module 5: Port Operations and Logistics Port layout and design considerations for offshore wind. Cargo handling and transportation within ports - Cranes and SPMTs. Supply chain and logistics management for offshore wind projects. Real-life examples of efficient port operations. Module 6: Ports Construction for Floating Wind Variations on the theme - what is different about floating wind Siting and Logistics for Floating Offshore Wind Ports Day Two Module 7: Offshore Wind Vessels Overall Strategy: Feeder Barge vs Direct Install with WTIV Vessel Operations and Technology Module 8: Types of Offshore Wind Vessels - Deeper Dive Construction and Installation Vessels Transportation Vessels and Barges Personnel and Equipment Transport - SOV/CTV Module 9: Floating Offshore Wind Vessels Safety and Regulatory Considerations for offshore wind vessels. Regulatory and Safety Considerations Maritime regulations related to offshore wind projects. Safety protocols and best practices for port and vessel operations. Environmental impact assessments and compliance. Risk management in offshore wind port and vessel operations. Module 10: The Special Case of Floating Offshore Wind and the Implications to Ports Types of Floating Wind Construction Considerations for Floating Wind Single Super-Port vs Distributed Cooperative Port Concepts Differences in Port Design and Function Costs and Timelines Module 11: Specifications: A deeper dive into the Construction of the Port Load Beaing Capacity Cranes SPMTs Other Transport Quayside and Bulkhead Design Bulkhead and Wall Types Berth Jack-up Pad Design Unpland Design Appurtenance Design Floating Wind Pot Design Special Case Module 12: Project Management and Planning Planning and scheduling port and vessel activities. Budgeting and cost control in port and vessel operations. Utilizing project management tools and software. Examples: Project management for offshore wind. Module 13: Case studies and Best Practice: Examining successful offshore wind port and vessel management through case studies. Learning from past projects. Identifying industry trends and future developments. Embracing best practices in the field. Course Completion Certificate: Upon completing at least 50% of the course and achieving a minimum passing score of 50% on a post-course assessment, participants will receive a course certificate valid for three years. This certificate verifies that the essential learning outcomes of the course have been met. While not mandatory, this certification is currently undergoing an accreditation process to further enhance its value, allowing it to be used for job applications, promotions, and professional license renewals, such as the PE (Professional Engineer) license. Course Instructors Jay Borkland Director of Ports and Supply Chain Development, Avangrid Mr. Borkland currently holds a Director position in Ports and Supply Chain Development at Avangrid Renewables in the U.S. He is a Visiting Scholar at Tufts University in Massachusetts, teaching and conducting research in Offshore Wind and Sustainability. Mr. Borkland is also currently acting as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the U.S. Offshore Wind trade organization: The Business Network for Offshore Wind; and is an active participant in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), where he is an editor and contributing author for UNGC document development for its Sustainability and Ocean Renewable Energy programs. Over the past 38 years, Mr. Borkland has been involved in large infrastructure and energy projects, with over two decades of that in the Offshore Wind sector of the Ocean Renewable Energy arena. He was the team lead for the development and construction of the first-in-the-nation Offshore Wind marshalling port facility in the U.S. in Massachusetts, and has acted as lead and/or contributing author for the Offshore Wind Infrastructure Master Plans for the states of MA, VA, NY, CT, NJ, NC and MD. Today he stays active assisting Avangrid Renewables develop multiple Wind Farms in the U.S. Richard Baldwin Senior Scientist, McAllister Marine Engineering Mr. Baldwin currently holds a position of Senior Scientist at McAllister Marine Engineering and his practice focusses primarily on supporting the offshore wind (OSW) industry currently developing off of the coasts of the U.S., as well as addressing coastal area impacts associated with global climate change. He is a licensed Professional Geologist in New York and in Pennsylvania, and an American Institute of Professional Geologists Certified Professional Geologist. He is an Adjunct Professor in the Earth Sciences Department at State University of New York at Stony Brook. Over the last 36 year, Mr. Baldwin has been providing subject matter expert (SME) expertise and consulting services associated with projects involving ports and harbors/waterway infrastructure studies, OSW development (including its local, national and international supply chains), OSW vessel logistics strategies, storm recovery and remedial actions, resiliency, flood-event evaluations, environmental investigations at industrial, private, federal and publicly-owned facilities. He has been involved in multiple state-led OSW ports studies and OSW strategic plans for a multitude of states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Virgina. He has designed and implemented environmental investigations, remediation work plans, evasive species identification and eradication programs, bathymetric surveys, geotechnical evaluations, regulatory permit evaluation/acquisition, contractor evaluation/oversight, and public awareness and education. In his volunteer life, Mr. Baldwin as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician for the East Moriches Community Ambulance and is a Board Member of the Peconic Land Trust. The course outline is subject to change and a detailed agenda will be shared after enrollment.

Registration form for the training course: Offshore Wind Ports and Vessels Course First Name Last Name Email Address Phone Number Company / Organization Name Job Title or Position Address Confirm the course name Offshore Wind Ports and Vessels Course Are you applying as: * Individual Group Select the course date * Spring Session Fall Session By clicking submit you agree to our Terms and Conditions Submit Your application has been submitted. We will reach out to you to complete the payment

Registration form for the training course: Offshore Wind Blade Testing and Inspection Workshop First Name Last Name Email Address Phone Number Company / Organization Name Job Title or Position Address Confirm the course name Offshore Wind Blade Testing and Inspection Workshop Are you applying as: * Individual Group Select the course date * Spring Session Fall Session By clicking submit you agree to our Terms and Conditions Submit Your application has been submitted. We will reach out to you to complete the payment

Registration form for the training course: Offshore Wind Operation and Maintenance First Name Last Name Email Address Phone Number Company / Organization Name Job Title or Position Address Confirm the course name Offshore Wind Operation and Maintenance Are you applying as: * Individual Group Select the course date * Spring Session Fall Session By clicking submit you agree to our Terms and Conditions Submit Your application has been submitted. We will reach out to you to complete the payment

Newsletters Offshore Wind: The Only Practical Solution to Meeting New York’s Growing Electricity Demands June 5, 2025 A recent report by Aurora Energy Research says that offshore wind is key to meeting New York's power needs and improving energy independence. Read More Offshore Wind's Scaling Debate: Power, Progress, and Potential Pitfalls April 9, 2025 The pursuit of ever-larger offshore wind turbines reflects a powerful tension between the imperative for accelerated renewable energy deployment and the inherent complexities of scaling nascent technologies. While the promise of enhanced energy capture, reduced costs, and optimized resource utilization fuels this drive, critical questions emerge regarding technological reliability, infrastructural readiness, and supply chain resilience... Read More U.S. Offshore Wind: An Update on Near-Term Projects March 24, 2025 Rising costs, high interest rates, and supply chain issues have forced offshore wind companies to cancel or renegotiate contracts, while policy changes, including a presidential memorandum pausing leases, have caused project delays and financial losses. This article categorizes the current status of U.S. offshore wind projects, detailing those operational, under construction, approved, paused, or canceled, illustrating the sector's volatile near-term landscape... Read More Shell Pulls Back From Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project January 31, 2025 Shell has abruptly pulled out of the Atlantic Shores offshore wind project, writing off nearly $1 billion and casting a dark cloud over New Jersey's ambitious renewable energy goals. Facing rising costs and investor pressure, the oil giant is retreating from its once-promising venture in wind power... Read More Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project Continues Amidst Industry Headwinds January 27, 2025 The US offshore wind industry currently faces uncertainty due to a recent executive order halting new leases. However, construction of the $9.8 billion Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project continues. Dominion Energy remains confident in completing the 2.6 GW project by 2026... Read More Meet Charybdis: America's First Domestic Wind Turbine Installation Vessel February 7, 2025 The Charybdis, the first U.S.-built wind turbine installation vessel, represents a $715 million investment in American offshore wind energy. Built in Texas, this Jones Act-compliant vessel will play a crucial role in Dominion Energy's Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project and future East Coast developments... Read More Closing the Loop: DOE Report Charts Path to Sustainable Wind Turbine Recycling February 4, 2025 A new report from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers a roadmap for a more sustainable wind energy industry through increased recycling and reuse of decommissioned wind turbine components. The report, "Recycling Wind Energy Systems in the United States," reveals... Read More Beyond the Horizon: The Future of Offshore Wind is Floating February 26, 2025 Approximately 80% of the world's offshore wind potential lies in waters deeper than 60 meters (200 feet), a domain exclusively accessible to floating platforms. This technology therefore provides a crucial pathway to harness previously untapped energy reserves, propelling the clean energy transition. While challenges persist, the floating wind industry's rapid advancement, fueled by innovation and investment, signals its growing recognition as a pivotal energy solution... Read More Navigating the Waters: Offshore Wind and Whale Protection February 19, 2025 The offshore wind industry is taking concrete steps to minimize its impact on marine life. While we often hear claims that offshore wind development is responsible for increased whale mortality off of the U.S. East Coast, this is far from the truth. Recent studies tells us that the largest threat to marine mammals is vessel strikes and entanglement in abandoned fishing equipment... Read More AOWA Collaborates with MassCEC: Targeted Offshore Wind Programs for Minority and Woman Entrepreneurs (MWBEs) February 17, 2025 Are you a minority or woman entrepreneur (MWBE) interested in the burgeoning offshore wind industry? Take our 5-10 minute survey to help shape these valuable workshops, skills training, and networking opportunities... Read More Offshore Wind: Fueling Economic Growth Across the U.S. February 12, 2025 Offshore wind power is more than just a clean energy source; it's a catalyst for economic revitalization, creating a ripple effect of jobs, investment, and opportunity that stretches across the United States. While the turbines themselves capture the imagination of many, the true story lies in the intricate supply chain... Read More

Registration form for the training course: Renewable Energy Grid Interconnection First Name Last Name Email Address Phone Number Company / Organization Name Job Title or Position Address Confirm the course name Renewable Energy Grid Interconnection Are you applying as: * Individual Group Select the course date * Spring Session Fall Session By clicking submit you agree to our Terms and Conditions Submit Your application has been submitted. We will reach out to you to complete the payment

OSW Risk Management, Insurance & Marine Warranty Surveying Risk management, insurance, and marine warranty surveying are interconnected fields crucial for mitigating potential losses in various industries, particularly maritime and energy. Keywords encompass a broad spectrum, starting with fundamental concepts like risk identification, risk assessment, risk mitigation, risk transfer, and risk acceptance. Insurance-related terms include policy, premium, deductible, coverage, claim, underwriter, broker, reinsurance, liability, indemnity, subrogation, and insurable interest. Marine warranty surveying focuses on specific aspects like vessel, cargo, voyage, port, offshore, subsea, renewable energy, wind farm, construction, installation, operation, maintenance, survey, inspection, certification, compliance, due diligence, loss prevention, damage survey, salvage, wreck removal, and general average. Specific risks covered include hull and machinery, cargo damage, pollution liability, war risks, piracy, cyber risk, political risk, force majeure, and business interruption. Keywords related to the surveying process involve marine surveyor, naval architect, master mariner, cargo surveyor, consultant, report, documentation, verification, quality control, safety, environmental regulations, IMO, ISM Code, ISPS Code, and other relevant industry standards. Furthermore, the energy sector introduces terms like offshore platform, pipeline, subsea cable, drilling rig, FPSO, wind turbine, solar panel, renewable energy certificate, power purchase agreement, and grid connection. Financial aspects are also important, including cost-benefit analysis, financial risk, capital expenditure, operating expenditure, and return on investment. Legal considerations involve contracts, liabilities, regulations, compliance, dispute resolution, arbitration, and maritime law. Emerging technologies add keywords like remote sensing, drones, AI, machine learning, data analytics, digital twin, and predictive maintenance. Finally, specific project phases are relevant, such as feasibility study, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and decommissioning. This extensive vocabulary highlights the complexity of risk management, insurance, and marine warranty surveying, emphasizing the need for specialized knowledge and expertise to effectively manage risks and protect assets. Additional keywords could include: marine insurance, cargo insurance, P&I insurance, hull insurance, offshore energy insurance, renewable energy insurance, wind farm insurance, construction all risks insurance, marine warranty, warranty survey, condition survey, on-hire survey, off-hire survey, damage survey, pre-risk survey, post-loss survey, claims handling, loss adjuster, risk engineer, safety management system, environmental impact assessment, stakeholder engagement, project management, supply chain risk, logistics risk, operational risk, financial risk, legal risk, reputational risk, strategic risk, hazard identification, consequence assessment, probability assessment, risk matrix, risk register, control measures, contingency planning, business continuity, disaster recovery, crisis management, emergency response, training, competence, best practices, industry standards, international regulations, classification societies, flag state, port state control OSW Risk Management, Insurance & Marine Warranty Surveying Price $950 Duration 1-Day Dates Spring Session: May 15, 2025 Fall Session: On demand - Enroll now Format Virtual (Live) Course Status Open Enroll < Back OSW Risk Management, Insurance & Marine Warranty Surveying This comprehensive one-day course delves into the essential aspects of risk management, insurances, and marine warranty surveying within the offshore wind energy sector. Participants will gain in-depth insights into the history and functioning of the insurance industry, the acquisition process for insurances, and the fundamentals of risk management. The course will provide a nuanced understanding of risks and perils specific to offshore wind projects, both from the perspective of project owners and supply chain companies. In the marine warranty surveying section, participants will explore loss prevention strategies and the areas of assurance review. The course culminates with an examination of the claims management process and real-world case studies to illustrate the practical application of the knowledge gained. This course will take place from 9am to 5:30pm EST. Course Learning Objectives: Comprehend the fundamental concepts of risk identification, assessment, and mitigation specific to the offshore wind industry Gain insights into various insurance products relevant to offshore wind projects, including coverage types, policy structures, and claims processes Understand the responsibilities of Marine Warranty Surveying in overseeing marine operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and mitigating risks during transportation and installation phases Study the contractual frameworks and legal obligations associated with risk management and insurance in offshore wind projects, including liability issues and dispute resolution Learn about the development and implementation of emergency response plans, safety procedures, and incident management strategies to protect assets and personnel Apply risk management strategies throughout the project lifecycle, from design and construction to operation and decommissioning, to optimize performance and ensure project success What Attendees Think: “It gave me a general overview and open perspective regarding OSW risk management and insurance. It would be interesting to expand on this course since the industry is facing financial risk from various supply chain issues. The industry needs these learning programs to better understand how powerful and useful these tools are in making project execution smoother.” - Miguel L. CEO, Chekea-STO Who Should Attend: This course is tailored for a diverse group of professionals involved in or impacted by the offshore wind industry, including: - Project Developers and Owners - Supply Chain Companies - Insurance Professionals - Risk Managers - Marine Warranty Surveyors - Offshore Wind Project Managers - Energy Analysts - Financial Analysts - Regulatory and Compliance Experts - Legal Professionals in Renewable Energy - Individuals interested in deepening their understanding of risk management and insurance in offshore wind This course caters to a broad spectrum of professionals seeking to navigate the intricate landscape of risk management, insurance, and marine warranty surveying in the offshore wind energy sector. Course Outline: Module 1: Introduction to Risk Management 1.1. Understanding the History of Insurance 1.2. Exploring the Insurance Marketplace 1.3. Navigating the Insurance Acquisition Process 1.4. Fundamentals of Risk Management 1.5. Diving into Risks and Perils 1.6. Examining Different Types of Risk Management Module 2: Offshore Wind Risk Management 2.1. Risk Management for Project Owners 2.1.1. Defining a Risk Profile 2.1.2. Asset Insurance 2.1.3. Liability Insurance 2.1.4. Revenue Insurance 2.2. Risk Management for Supply Chain Companies 2.2.1. Establishing a Risk Profile 2.2.2. Asset Insurance 2.2.3. Liability Insurance Module 3: Marine Warranty Surveying 3.1. Overview of Loss Prevention 3.2. Areas of Assurance Review 3.2.1. General Considerations 3.2.2. Vessel Assessments 3.2.3. Module Evaluations 3.2.4. Piling Inspections 3.2.5. Installation Safety 3.2.6. Assessment of Pipelines & Cables 3.2.7. Ensuring Inshore Completion Module 4: Claims Management Process Module 5: Case Study Course Completion Certificate: Upon completing at least 50% of the course and achieving a minimum passing score of 50% on a post-course assessment, participants will receive a course certificate valid for three years. This certificate verifies that the essential learning outcomes of the course have been met. While not mandatory, this certification is currently undergoing an accreditation process to further enhance its value, allowing it to be used for job applications, promotions, and professional license renewals, such as the PE (Professional Engineer) license. Course Instructors: Benjamin A. Brown Client Advisor, Marsh Mr. Brown brings more than 12 years of technology and project development experience to INpower from the offshore wind, marine hydro kinetic, aquaculture, and renewable biofuel industries. Prior to joining INpower, Mr. Brown worked on behalf of the Business Network for Offshore Wind where consulted with companies on technology commercialization, supply chain entry, and project development needs; while also consulting with federal agencies and state governments on the impacts of policy and regulation. Before entering the insurance field, Mr. Brown operated as project development professional who helped start-ups, non-profits, and growing companies in the development of over $100 million in projects. Sean Murphy Renewables Manager, ABL Group Sean is a Chartered Engineer and, as Renewables Manager, he leads ABL’s renewable energy projects and market growth within the US. He is experienced in renewables marine warranty surveying (MWS) and has also supported clients from a loss management perspective in investigating numerous incidents involving damage to energy infrastructure equipment. He has provided risk assessments and marine warranty surveys for complex load outs, cable transport and installation, heavy lift project cargoes, and tows. He has carried out analyses for various early-stage fixed and floating offshore wind projects, including T&I strategies, logistics studies, CAPEX estimations, O&M strategy development and OPEX modelling, and associated project management. Working in engineering and marine / offshore surveying for over 10 years, Sean is also experienced in carrying out and coordinating surveys on behalf of various insurance interests (including H&M, cargo, and P&I), acting on behalf of owners in mitigating and investigating losses, providing naval architecture and marine engineering analyses, reporting and testifying in numerous expert witness cases, and conducting research into loss prevention and claims mitigation initiatives. The course outline is subject to change and a detailed agenda will be shared after enrollment.

Digital Twin Fundamentals for Offshore Wind Offshore wind digital twin fundamentals encompass a wide range of interconnected concepts. Key terms include digital twin, offshore wind farm, wind turbine, SCADA, predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, machine learning, artificial intelligence, AI, IoT, Internet of Things, sensors, data acquisition, data analytics, big data, cloud computing, edge computing, high-performance computing, HPC, simulation, modeling, computational fluid dynamics, CFD, finite element analysis, FEA, structural analysis, fatigue analysis, blade dynamics, rotor dynamics, gearbox health, generator performance, yaw system, pitch system, control systems, power conversion, grid integration, offshore operations, marine environment, metocean data, wave height, wind speed, current velocity, turbine installation, O&M, operation and maintenance, lifecycle management, asset integrity, risk assessment, downtime reduction, optimization, efficiency, cost reduction, virtual commissioning, virtual reality, VR, augmented reality, AR, mixed reality, MR, digital thread, data integration, interoperability, standards, cybersecurity, data security, remote sensing, LiDAR, radar, satellite imagery, drone inspection, underwater inspection, autonomous vessels, robotics, digital engineering, model calibration, model validation, uncertainty quantification, sensitivity analysis, what-if scenarios, decision support, stakeholder collaboration, communication, visualization, dashboards, reporting, real-time data, historical data, data mining, pattern recognition, anomaly detection, fault diagnosis, prognosis, remaining useful life, RUL, life extension, performance optimization, energy yield, AEP, capacity factor, wind resource assessment, site selection, environmental impact, social impact, regulatory compliance, permitting, financing, insurance, supply chain, logistics, manufacturing, installation vessels, heavy lift cranes, subsea cables, foundations, mooring systems, offshore platforms, crew transfer vessels, safety, health, environment, SHE, risk management, emergency response, training, education, workforce development, digital skills, innovation, research, development, R&D, future of energy, renewable energy, sustainable energy, clean energy, green energy, energy transition, decarbonization, climate change, circular economy, lifecycle assessment, LCA, cradle-to-grave, sustainability metrics, environmental monitoring, biodiversity, marine ecology, noise pollution, visual impact, community engagement, stakeholder engagement, social license, public acceptance, policy, regulation, market analysis, business models, value creation, digital transformation, industry 4.0, smart grids, energy storage, hydrogen, power-to-x, sector coupling, smart cities, future of work, digital twins in energy, digital twins for renewables, offshore wind energy, wind power, renewable energy integration, smart energy systems, energy management, energy efficiency, carbon footprint, sustainability reporting, ESG, environmental, social, and governance, corporate social responsibility, CSR, innovation ecosystems, open innovation, collaboration platforms, knowledge sharing, best practices, standards development, certification, quality assurance, project management, construction management, commissioning, decommissioning, repowering, circular economy principles, waste management, recycling, material reuse, sustainable development goals, SDGs, United Nations, Paris Agreement, climate action, energy policy, offshore wind policy, renewable energy targets, energy security, energy access, just transition, workforce transition, skills gap, digital divide, inclusive growth, social equity, environmental justice, community benefits, local content, supply chain development, economic development, regional development, global energy landscape, energy future, technological advancements, digital technologies, emerging technologies, future trends, offshore wind innovation, digital twin technology, digital twin applications, offshore wind industry, renewable energy industry, energy sector, maritime sector, offshore sector, engineering, procurement, construction, EPC, turnkey projects, project finance, investment, due diligence, feasibility studies, risk mitigation, insurance solutions, offshore wind insurance, marine insurance, cyber insurance, data privacy, data governance, intellectual property, open source, collaboration tools, communication platforms, project management software, data visualization tools, simulation software, modeling software, analytics platforms, cloud platforms, edge platforms, hardware, software, connectivity, sensors and instrumentation, data storage, data processing, data security, cybersecurity threats, cyberattacks, data breaches, vulnerability assessment, risk mitigation strategies, security protocols, authentication, authorization, access control, encryption, data integrity, data quality, data validation, data cleaning, data transformation, data analysis techniques, statistical analysis, machine learning algorithms, deep learning, neural networks, predictive modeling, forecasting, optimization algorithms, control algorithms, simulation models, computational models, numerical methods, finite element methods, computational fluid dynamics methods, model calibration techniques, model validation techniques, uncertainty quantification methods, sensitivity analysis methods, what-if analysis, scenario planning, decision-making processes, stakeholder engagement strategies, communication strategies, visualization techniques, reporting methods, key performance indicators, KPIs, performance metrics, data-driven insights, actionable intelligence, digital twin benefits, business value, return on investment, ROI, cost-benefit analysis, feasibility analysis, technology roadmap, innovation strategy, digital transformation strategy, offshore wind strategy, renewable energy strategy, sustainability strategy, energy transition strategy, climate action strategy, digital twin roadmap, implementation plan, project execution, change management, organizational culture, digital culture, talent development, skills development, training programs, education programs, research collaborations, industry partnerships, government support, policy incentives, regulatory frameworks, permitting processes, environmental impact assessment, social impact assessment, community engagement plans, stakeholder engagement plans, communication plans, risk management plans, emergency response plans, safety plans, health plans, environmental management plans, quality management plans, project management plans, contract management, supply chain management, logistics management, operations management, maintenance management, asset management, lifecycle management, digital twin platform, digital twin ecosystem, offshore wind ecosystem, renewable energy ecosystem, energy ecosystem, digital economy, smart economy, sustainable economy, circular economy, knowledge economy, future skills, digital literacy, data literacy, computational thinking, problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, communication skills, collaboration skills, leadership skills, innovation skills, creativity, entrepreneurship, digital leadership, digital citizenship, ethical considerations, social responsibility, environmental stewardship, sustainability principles, circular economy principles, responsible innovation, digital ethics, data ethics, AI ethics, responsible AI, ethical AI, trustworthy AI, explainable AI, transparent AI, accountable AI, fair AI, unbiased AI, inclusive AI, human-centered AI, AI for good, AI for sustainability, AI for climate action, AI for energy, AI for renewables, AI for offshore wind, digital twin for AI, AI in digital twins, machine learning in digital twins, deep learning in digital twins, predictive maintenance with digital twins, condition monitoring with digital twins, optimization with digital twins, simulation with digital twins, modeling with digital twins, data analytics with digital twins, IoT in digital twins, cloud computing in digital twins, edge computing in digital twins, HPC in digital twins, virtual commissioning with digital twins, virtual reality in digital twins, augmented reality in digital twins, mixed reality in digital twins, digital thread in digital twins, data integration in digital twins, interoperability in digital twins, cybersecurity in digital twins, data security in digital twins, remote sensing in digital twins, drone inspection in digital twins, underwater inspection in digital twins, autonomous vessels in digital twins, robotics in digital twins, digital engineering in digital twins, model calibration in digital twins, model validation in digital twins, uncertainty quantification in digital twins, sensitivity analysis in digital twins, what-if scenarios in digital twins, decision support with digital twins, stakeholder collaboration with digital twins, communication with digital twins, visualization with digital twins, dashboards with digital twins, reporting with digital twins, real-time data in digital twins, historical data in digital twins, data mining in digital twins, pattern recognition in digital twins, anomaly detection in digital twins, fault diagnosis in digital twins, prognosis in digital twins, remaining useful life in digital twins, life extension with digital twins, performance optimization with digital twins, energy yield with digital twins, AEP with digital twins, capacity factor with digital twins, wind resource assessment with digital twins, site selection with digital twins, environmental impact assessment with digital twins, social impact assessment with digital twins, regulatory compliance with digital twins, permitting with digital twins, financing with digital twins, insurance with digital twins, supply chain with digital twins, logistics with digital twins, manufacturing with digital twins, installation vessels with digital twins, heavy lift cranes with digital twins, subsea cables with digital twins, foundations with digital twins, mooring systems with digital twins, offshore platforms with digital twins, crew transfer vessels with digital twins, safety with digital twins, health with digital twins, environment with digital twins, risk management with digital twins, emergency response with digital twins, training with digital twins, education with digital twins, workforce development with digital twins, digital skills with digital twins, innovation with digital twins, research with digital twins, development with digital twins, future of energy with digital twins, renewable energy with digital twins, sustainable energy with digital twins, clean energy with digital twins, green energy with digital twins, energy transition with digital twins, decarbonization with digital twins, climate change with digital twins, circular economy with digital twins, lifecycle assessment with digital twins, cradle-to-grave with digital twins, sustainability metrics with digital twins, environmental monitoring with digital twins, biodiversity with digital twins, marine ecology with digital twins, noise pollution with digital twins, visual impact with digital twins, community engagement with digital twins, stakeholder engagement with digital twins, social license with digital twins, public acceptance with digital twins, policy with digital twins, regulation with digital twins, market analysis with digital twins, business models with digital twins, value creation with digital twins, digital transformation with digital twins, industry 4.0 with digital twins, smart grids with digital twins, energy storage with digital twins, hydrogen with digital twins, power-to-x with digital twins, sector coupling with digital twins, smart cities with digital twins, future of work with digital twins. Digital Twin Fundamentals for Offshore Wind Price Please inquire Duration 1-Day Dates TBA - enroll to stay updated Format Virtual (Live) Course Status Open Enroll < Back Digital Twin Fundamentals for Offshore Wind This one-day course provides a comprehensive introduction to the concept and practical implementation of digital twins in the offshore wind industry. Participants will gain a deep understanding of digital twin technology, its applications, benefits, and its crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency, predictive maintenance, and decision-making processes within offshore wind projects. Who Should Attend This course is tailored for professionals in the offshore wind industry looking to enhance their knowledge of digital twins and how they can be effectively applied in wind farm operations. It is suitable for engineers, project managers, data analysts, and anyone interested in the latest advancements in offshore wind technology. Whether you are new to digital twins or seeking to expand your expertise, this course provides valuable insights and practical skills. Course Overview: Understanding Digital Twins in Offshore Wind - Key components and technologies involved in creating digital twins. - Real-world applications and benefits of digital twins. Building Digital Twins for Wind Farms - The process of creating a digital twin for offshore wind farms. - Data collection, sensors, and IoT devices. - Data management, storage, and integration for digital twins. - Hands-on exercises in setting up digital twin models. Monitoring, Analysis, and Predictive Maintenance - Real-time monitoring of offshore wind assets through digital twins. - Data analysis, anomaly detection, and trend forecasting. - Predictive maintenance and risk mitigation through digital twin insights. - Case studies on improved maintenance strategies. Digital Twins for Decision-Making and Optimization - The role of digital twins in operational decision-making. - Scenario analysis, optimization, and resource planning. - Integration with existing systems and software. - Future trends and advancements in digital twin technology. Course Instructors Espen Krogh Senior Technical Advisor, TGS Espen Krogh is a senior technical advisor in TGS and the chairperson of the OPC Foundation Wind Power Plant working group. In his career, he has worked his way from being SW developer in Kongsberg Maritime, to CTO- and eventually CEO in TGS Prediktor, a company that was acquired by TGS in 2022. Espen headed TGS Prediktor when the company was awarded and extensive real-time data management contract in the SSE/Equinor Dogger Bank project – the world’s largest offshore windfarm. TGS has data, expertise, and tools for the complete lifecycle of offshore windfarms. Thibaut Forest Principal Data Scientist, Equinor Thibaut Forest is a principal data scientist at Equinor with a six-year track record in creating digital solutions for wind farms. His skills in understanding data and using machine learning have been key in a wide array of projects aimed at making wind farms more profitable. These projects include work on both traditional and floating wind farms. Thibaut has led a team that watches over the health of wind farm equipment and is now working on new ways to use data to predict and prevent unexpected breakdowns. His work is especially important for the Dogger Bank wind farm, which is on its way to becoming the biggest of its kind in the world. The course outline is subject to change and a detailed agenda will be shared after enrollment.