Vineyard Wind project begins turbine installation

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The wind farm project 15 miles off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard began installation of the first turbine foundations Wednesday.

Vineyard Wind said the heavy lift vessel ORION will work with a team of ships throughout the summer installing 62 foundations in the wind development area.

The construction includes local union laborers who ended a six-day strike last week after coming to an agreement with the manufacturers.

Local fishing boats will also work as safety and communications sentries.

The project, which is a partnership between Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and AVANGRID, Inc., is an 800-megawatt project that aims to generate electricity for more than 400,000 homes and businesses in Massachusetts.

“Over the next few months, we’ll be working hand in glove with the Building Trades and our contractors to ensure the work is done safely and efficiently,” CEO Klaus Moeller said. “I want to thank all of our stakeholders and the entire Vineyard Wind team for this remarkable achievement on this first in the nation project.”