Cable-laying operations for the inter-array cables have commenced at the 800 MW Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind farm, marking a significant milestone in the development of offshore wind energy in the United States. The work is being carried out by the vessel Isaac Newton, operated by Jan De Nul. The cable-laying process will start with array cable lines five and six and is expected to continue until early October.

In addition to the Isaac Newton, several other vessels are playing crucial roles in the cable-laying operation. The C-PIONEER will act as a stationary support vessel, assisting in cable-pulling activities for the inter-array cables. The trenching support vessel ADHEMAR DE SAINT-VENANT will be responsible for cable trenching and burial activities. To ensure safety in the work area, the F/V SEAFARER will serve as a safety vessel, monitoring traffic and facilitating the safe movement of fishing vessels, recreational craft, and other transiting vessels around the work sites and project vessels.

Jan De Nul, in collaboration with the TFKable Group-owned JDR, will deliver nearly 210 kilometers of 66 kV cables. These cables will serve to connect the 62 GE Haliade-X turbines within the Vineyard Wind 1 project. They will transfer electricity generated by the turbines to an offshore substation for subsequent transmission to the grid. The export cable from the offshore substation to the shore will be supplied by Prysmian.

Vineyard Wind 1, located approximately 15 miles (about 24 kilometers) off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, is a joint venture between Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). It is the first commercial-scale offshore wind farm to receive approval for construction in the United States.

Once fully operational, which is expected in mid-2024, the 806 MW offshore wind farm is projected to provide electricity for more than 400,000 homes and businesses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Furthermore, the project is anticipated to create 3,600 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) job years, save customers USD 1.4 billion over the first 20 years of operation, and contribute to reducing carbon emissions by more than 1.6 million metric tons per year. This reduction is equivalent to taking 325,000 cars off the road annually, aligning with efforts to combat climate change and transition to clean energy sources.