US Wind has initiated a marine survey to prepare the final layout design for an 80,000 acre wind power project off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland.
US Wind contracted with Alpine Ocean Seismic Survey and its vessel R/V Shearwater to conduct data collection along the 35-mile route from the project site through Indian River Bay to a power plant near Millsboro, Delaware.
The Shearwater will take sediment core samples at 36 locations along to route to test the composition of the sediment to ensure it is safe for the power cable.
The start of work was announced last Friday and is expected to take approximately two weeks.
“This is a significant milestone in our effort to bring offshore wind, and its many benefits, to Maryland,” said Paul Rich , director of project development for US Wind, Inc. “Over the coming months, we will be undertaking more activities to ensure the success of this project and position Maryland as the East Coast hub for the booming offshore wind industry.”
In addition to the marine survey, upcoming activities include constructing and installing a meteorological station to assess weather conditions at the site.