Information for Mariners

 

At Ørsted, we understand the importance of remaining available to the maritime and fishing community during these exceptional circumstances. Ørsted is now hosting virtual port hours every Monday and Wednesday. 

Learn more about our virtual port hours

 

Mariners Briefings

Mariners Briefings are issued to the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Fisheries Liaison, and posted here.

The briefings include details of current operational activities at the wind farm, where we are working, information about the vessels being used, as well as future outlooks. The briefings are issued as needed.

View the most recent Mariners Briefings here:

Northeast

Mid-Atlantic

 

Mariner safety

Ørsted will be performing survey operations along the cable route and within the lease area. During those times, all mariners transiting or fishing in the survey area are requested to provide a wide berth to survey vessels as they will be limited in their ability to maneuver (VRAM) and towing gear out to 300 meters behind the vessel.

Vessels in the vicinity of the survey vessel should operate in a manner that will not endanger the vessel or associated equipment.

To access the survey, simply scan the QR code! 

We want to hear from you 

At Ørsted we realize the importance of stakeholder outreach to better understand how our lease areas are utilized.  We also recognize the necessity of being available to address questions, comments, and concerns. A large part of our outreach is done via face-to-face, meetings and out on the docks, but we are continually finding ways to speak with new people, especially in this time of social distancing. Therefore, we have created a new online stakeholder survey which may be completed at any time and is applicable to our projects in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. The survey can be taken anonymously and all answers will remain confidential. 

Complete the survey here

Operational
  • Block Island Wind Farm

    Block Island Wind Farm (BIWF)


    Located approximately 3 miles south east of Block Island, Rhode Island, the Block Island Wind Farm consists of five, six-megawatt offshore wind turbines, a submarine cable connecting the turbines, and a submarine cable from the northernmost turbine to an interconnection point on Block Island. The construction of the five turbines and the transmission cables was completed in 2016. The BIWF team has worked closely with mariners, including commercial and recreational fishing groups, to minimize impacts to the extent possible.

    View the most recent briefing here

Awarded
In development

Working with the fishing community

Ørsted is committed to maintaining a strong working relationship with all commercial and recreational fishermen who may be affected by a wind farm or wind farm activities in and around a lease area. We believe that good communication is essential to creating understanding between those who provide food for our tables and those who provide electricity for our homes. While not all conflicts can be resolved through communication alone, open and honest interaction helps to manage conflicts when they arise and identify ways to avoid or mitigate impacts that may occur.

 

Fisheries Communication and Outreach Plan

We want to ensure our impact on habitats, fishermen and other ocean users is minimized during the construction and operation of our offshore wind farms.

Read more

Fishing gear conflict prevention and claim procedure

(as of January 2021)

As good neighbors and fellow ocean users, Ørsted recognizes the possibility of offshore wind activity and commercial fishing gear encounters. We believe that with proper communication and training, there will be limited gear interactions, if any, in connection with the installation and operation of our offshore wind farms. In the event that there is a gear loss caused by or resulting from Ørsted’s activities, we have provided a claim/damage procedure at the link below. The prevention procedures are by no means exhaustive and will continue to be modified and improved.

Instructions for Gear Loss Claim 

Gear Loss Claim Application

Notice of Appeal


Our Marine Affairs Team

John O’Keeffe | Head of Marine Affairs

Phone: 857-332-4485 Email: JOHNO@orsted.com

 

Ed LeBlanc | Marine Affairs Manager Northeast

Phone: 978-447-2737 Email: EDWLE@orsted.com

 

Ross Pearsall | Fisheries Stakeholders Relations Manager

Phone: 857-278-2442 Email: ROSPE@orsted.com

 

Elizabeth Kretovic | Mid-Atlantic Marine Affairs Manager
Phone: 410- 991-5597 Email: ELIKR@orsted.com

Caitlin O'Mara | Marine Affairs Coordinator
Phone: 857-332-4487 Email: CAIMA@orsted.com

 

 

 

 


Rodney Avila | Corporate Fisheries Liaison

Phone: 857-332-4479 Email: RODAV@orsted.com

 

Julia Prince | NY/CT Fisheries Liaison

Phone: 857-348-3263 Email: JULPR@orsted.com

 

Chris Sarro | RI/MA Fisheries Liaison

Phone: 857-276-1332 Email: CHSAR@orsted.com

 

Kara Gross | Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Liaison
Phone: 857-330-7699 Email: KARGR@orsted.com

 

Contact us

Sign up here if you’d like to receive updated Mariners Briefings via email.