Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind LLC is launching ocean survey operations at its 183,000ha lease area off the New Jersey coast, which has the potential to generate 2.5GW of offshore wind.
Survey vessel Geosea will be deployed to carry out the operations in order to inform future turbine development.
The vessel will characterize the seabed, collect samples and determine the placement of data collection buoys, which will be deployed later this year to help measure wind, ocean and weather conditions.
Survey operations are expected to conclude by the end of October, weather permitting, at the site located 8-20 miles off the coast between Barnegat Light and Sea Isle City.
Additionally, Atlantic Shores appointed Kevin Wark as its Fisheries Liaison Officer to help better communicate and collaborate with the recreational and commercial fishing industries as the project progresses.
“It’s clear we need to strike a balance – for the environment, the fishing communities and renewable developers together. I understand the concerns of mariners because I share them, so I’m excited for this opportunity to listen to fishermen of all sectors, to help us collaborate and find the best solutions for all,” said Wark .
Atlantic Shores, a 50/50 joint venture between EDF Renewables North America and Shell New Energies US, plans to build multiple projects over the next decade within their lease area to help New Jersey meet its goal of generating 3.5GW of offshore wind by 2030 .