Multiple Vessels Deployed Between May and July in Preparation for New Jersey’s Upcoming Round of Offshore Wind Procurement
Atlantic City, N.J. (May 1, 2020) – Beginning in May and continuing through July, Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, LLC (Atlantic Shores) will conduct its next round of ocean survey operations to inform its development plans off the coast of New Jersey. The launch coincides with another project milestone, as Atlantic Shores’ Site Assessment Plan (SAP) was deemed “complete and sufficient” by the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). Full SAP approval is expected soon.
Sea Risk Solutions, a locally owned and operated small business based in New Jersey, was brought on to help with the assessment of fishing activities in the Lease Area while surveying takes place. Sea Risk Solutions will work alongside Atlantic Shores’ Fishing Liaison Officer, Kevin Wark.
Atlantic Shores has established increased safety protocols and specific guidelines in light of the COVID-19 crisis to ensure all workers, contractors and vendors remain safe while doing this essential work to move offshore wind development forward.
Two vessels will mobilize beginning May 1, Fugro’s Brasilis and Enterprise, to explore potential export cable route corridors towards Atlantic City. Fugro’s Zephyr Westerly vessel will mobilize beginning June 24 for nearshore surveys off Atlantic City and Manasquan.
Beginning July 1, the Tidewater Royal vessel will mobilize to conduct vibracore activities along proposed export cable route corridors, and the Geoquip Saentis on July 10 to take borehole samples within the Atlantic Shores’ Lease Area.
“New Jersey and New York are undoubtedly the states hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, both in terms of the health of our residents and our economies. Atlantic Shores is committed to continuing to move our offshore wind development activities forward so long as we can do it safely. The health and safety of our workers and all of our partners is always our first priority,” said Chris Hart, Managing Director of Atlantic Shores. “We also know that the emergence of the renewables industry and the creation of green jobs will be critical when we come out of this crisis. When this difficult time passes, we look forward to being a part of the solution that brings new opportunities for business and job growth to New Jersey and New York.”
Atlantic Shores’ Lease Area encompasses 183,000 acres approximately 8-20 miles off the New Jersey coast between Atlantic City and Barnegat Light. The Lease Area has the potential to generate up to 2,500 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable energy to residents across the mid-Atlantic Coast: enough power to supply nearly one million homes. Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind intends to bid into the next New Jersey offshore wind solicitation when it is announced.
