Construction FAQs
Who will build the project?
The project will be built through a collaboration of multiple contractors and sub-contractors, acting through an engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) strategy, under which the manufacture and installation of various components are bundled. Suppliers will manufacture components such as wind turbines, foundations, and cables, and specialist transportation and installation contractors will bring components to site and install. SouthCoast Wind will oversee and manage all activities as the owner-operator.
When will the project begin construction?
SouthCoast Wind is working to obtain the necessary local, state, regional, and federal permits and approvals to start construction. These efforts have been, and will continue to be, pursued with input from stakeholders and local communities to ensure a safe, reliable, and responsible project.
What ports will the project use?
SouthCoast Wind has signed a lease option with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to utilize the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal as the primary staging and deployment base. The project is reviewing other cost-effective locations for staging, assembling, and deployment. Key criteria include size, air draft, horizontal clearance, and depth at berth.
How will the project minimize traffic congestion during construction?
SouthCoast Wind recognizes that infrastructure projects affect local activities during construction, and we are committed to working cooperatively with state and local officials to minimize impacts on road use and traffic. SouthCoast Wind and its contractors will work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and Falmouth Department of Public Works to plan road use during construction.
How will SouthCoast Wind avoid conflicts with other harbor users due to the increase in vessel use?
SouthCoast Wind draws from its parent companies’ 50+ years of experience with offshore operations in the US and Europe, and will leverage that knowledge and experience to manage logistics during development, construction, and operations phases. SouthCoast Wind will coordinate and communicate project activity with local port authorities, mariners, and vessel operators.
What types of skills and services are needed during construction?
A wide range of skills and services support the construction of an offshore wind project. This varies from pilots, welders, electricians, crane operators, and mechanics to environmental specialists, health and safety trainers, and engineers.
How much of a hinderance is the New Bedford hurricane barrier?
The hurricane barrier poses logistical challenges that SouthCoast Wind is assessing for impacts to practice and operations.
SouthCoast Wind has signed a lease option with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to utilize the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal as the primary staging and deployment base.
Are vessels available that comply with Jones Act or will you need to request waivers?
There are 18 different types of vessels need to build offshore wind. Of those vessel types, 16 are available in the Jones Act compliant fleet. There are two types of heavy lift installation vessels, floating and jack-up, that are not available in the Jones Act fleet. Foreign installation vessels can transit from turbine to turbine to perform construction activities. Installation vessels lift components from the Jones Act vessel to install them on the turbine foundation.
How long do you expect the onshore construction process to take?
Lane or road closures in Falmouth would use a rolling setup, so only a section of the roadway is actually being worked at a given time. The entire onshore construction process, including the underground cabling and substation, could last up to 1.5-2 years, depending on a number of factors.
What month of year do you anticipate the onshore cable installation to begin and end?
Onshore cable installation will occur outside of the busy summer season to the maximum extent practicable.