1 ship sails away from New Bedford, another arrives with more parts for 1st in the nation project
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The UHL Felicity — which carried the first parts to construct wind turbines offshore — has sailed away from New Bedford, and a new vessel is arriving with more parts for the first in the nation project.
UHL Felicity pulling out of the port Tuesday marked the end to a tumultuous first round of construction on the nation’s first major offshore wind project. The ship came into last month.
The UHL Felicity is seen leaving New Bedford, Tuesday, June 6, 2023. (WLNE)
Shortly after, union dockworkers tasked with removing parts of the wind turbines off the ship went on strike, bringing the 62-turbine project to an abrupt halt for six days. The ILA Local 1413 and Vineyard Wind were able to strike a deal.
That strike delayed parts from being taken off the ship, which also delayed the Felicity ship from leaving the commercial marine terminal in New Bedford to go back to Portugal — as well as the arrival of future parts like the ship arriving Tuesday.
The UHL Felicity is seen leaving New Bedford, Tuesday, June 6, 2023. (WLNE)
The Roll Dock Sky from the Netherlands will have more parts on board. Vineyard Wind told ABC 6 News that blades for the wind turbines are expected to arrive this week.
This is expected to be a huge project. The turbines are going to be constructed right on the port in the Whaling City, so residents will be able to see it all unfold before the completed turbines are taken out to sea.
