Dominion Energyʻs offshore wind farm project remains on track

The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project remains on schedule, reported owner Dominion Energy.

The project team and contractors have implemented processes to navigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Two vessels – the M/V Sarah Bordelon and M/V Marcelle Bordelon contracted through TerraSond –started geophysical studies in the 112,800-acre project lease area, which is 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach. The vessels will be equipped with hull mounted and towed equipment to collect geophysical data.

These geophysical surveys will provide the company with the data needed to support planning and construction in a that supports the natural marine ecosystem. Ultimately, the data will support preparation of the project’s Construction and Operations Plan to be submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) later this year.

“Safety is our top priority, and while the coronavirus pandemic has created unique challenges, our teams have safely worked through them to keep the development of the commercial offshore wind project on track,” Mark Mitchell, Dominion Energy vice president of generation construction, said. “At the same time, we are working diligently with our suppliers to develop a U.S.-based offshore wind supply chain anchored in Hampton Roads, which would establish Virginia as the leader in offshore wind in America.”

Local fishing vessels out of Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach are serving as scouts to help the survey vessels avoid any interactions between fisheries and survey operations.

The 2,600-megawatt offshore wind project is scheduled to be built beginning in 2024.