RWE, National Grid JV launches first New York Bight surveys
Furgro will manage the campaign for Community Offshore Wind off the US east coast
11 January 2023 13:32 Offshore Wind [Image: Fugro ]
RWE and National Grid JV Community Offshore Wind has launched its first geophysical survey in the New York Bight.
The campaign, managed by Fugro, will study seabed conditions within the project lease area and potential export cable corridors in the area.
The data collected will help inform safe and responsible project design and engineering, identifying potential geohazards and obstructions, as well as benthic habitats and archaeological resources.
The survey work will continue through summer 2023 with two vessels.
Community Offshore Wind has collaborated closely with Fugro on the project phasing to accelerate the overall development process.
Key to this approach is Fugro’s use of advanced survey technology that can accurately and safely operate in winter sea conditions, the developer said.
It added that the Community Offshore Wind team is working closely with area fisheries to prevent the disruption of commercial and recreational fishing over the course of the survey’s duration.
Local commercial fishermen will be onboard the survey vessels to manage communication and coordinate with fishing fleets.
Prior to the start of the survey, one of Community Offshore Wind’s fisheries representatives, a commercial fisherman from Barnegat Light, NJ, scouted the area for fishing gear and other potential obstructions.
President and project director at Community Offshore Wind Doug Perkins said: "The start of the site survey is an important milestone for the project.
"The technical data collected will help us develop a more responsible and cost-effective project design.
"Our success relies on communication, safety and collaboration with other parties out on the water."