Oil rig supply boats at the Aberdeen Anchorage Point
EASY NAVIGATION Offshore turbines can measure up to 800 feet tall with blades the length of a football field. Offshore wind farms are sure to be an imposing sight. Keep in mind three factors when considering wind farm navigation: location, location, location. • The location of offshore wind farms is determined by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). Areas leased to developers through BOEM are located on the outer Continental Shelf.The unique topography of the Continental Shelf provides acceptable depths for installations three or more miles offshore.This allows for maximizing ocean wind harnessing while avoiding recreational boating areas and shipping channels. • The location of each turbine in relation to one another should be at least one nautical mile. Due to their size, the physics of wind collection and wind wakes, turbines will be signifi- cantly separated.This space should allow transiting vessels
function as artificial reefs. Reports of increased populations of mussels, crustaceans and desirable fish species are encouraging for local anglers. Commercial fishermen have a keen interest in offshore development. Ørsted, a Danish global leader in green energy systems, currently heads six projects on the East Coast. To gain local knowledge and build a relationship with commercial fishermen, Ørsted partnered with Sea Services North America, which gives fishermen the opportunity to diversify their maritime skills and assets. When not fishing, they provide developers with qualified vessels, trained captains and crews, and assist with monitoring and coordination. Gary Yerman, Seas Services North America fleet manager and co-founder, has worked extensively with Ørsted on the Block Island project. He says Ørsted is by far the safest company with which he has worked, “They don’t cut corners when it comes to safety or the environment, and with my 50 years in this industry that says a lot.” Yerman is aware of concerns about these developments long term. “No one likes change, but we need renewable resources. Wind farms may not be THE answer, but they are certainly part of the answer.” Collaborations like this will be instrumental as developers seek to expand operations while limiting negative impact.
• The location of each structure will be stationary. Turbines will be well marked, lit and easily identifiable on radar. Eventual placement of numerous turbines should result in a grid of dots
on a radar allowing for clear routing through the fields. Boaters should be able to navigate the structures much the same way they would a fixed marker or bridge.
The balance between protecting coastal resources and marine life while accessing clean renewable energy can be difficult. When the Coastal Virginia Wind Farm project expands beyond its pilot phase, over 100 turbines are planned to produce energy for more than 660,000 homes, decreasing carbon emissions by 5 million tons annually. With estimates like this, it is easy to see the value of finding that balance. Boaters are always navigating changing winds, waves, and weather.This mindset will serve us well as we navigate the changes in offshore wind farming on the horizon.
To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/WindFarms
adequate passage even if encountering other ships.
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