For Mariners

Fisheries Engagement

US Wind is committed to early, often and continuous communications with the fishermen and other mariners in our region, with direct engagement being the highest priority. Our company has partnered with Sea Risk Solutions to be our fisheries liaisons who will aid our outreach efforts with fishermen in Maryland and the greater Delmarva region. We are eager to hear from, and listen to, local fishermen and mariners on all aspects of our offshore project activities so that we can coordinate, collaborate, and coexist.

US Wind’s Fisheries Liaisons

Wolfgang Rain, Fishermen Liaison

Wolfgang Rain joins the US Wind team as lead Fisheries Liaison, with over 23 years of experience as a commercial fisherman and fisheries biologist. Rain has additional years of expertise in subsea cable permitting and regulatory issues, offshore wind development in the UK and Atlantic USA, liaison with maritime authorities, shipping interests, government agencies and fishermen in more than 20 countries.

wrain@searisksolutions.com, (206) 427-6553

Ron Larsen, Fishermen Liaison

Ron Larsen joins the US Wind fisheries liaison team with over 30 years of fisheries and subsea infrastructure planning experience. Larsen spent 10 years in the 1990s working in the East Coast fisheries observer program, first as a fisheries observer and then as the regional operations coordinator. In that role, Larsen had the opportunity to observe several local fisheries and work with local commercial fishermen, including many from Ocean City, MD, who are still active today. Ron returned to the Northeast fisheries scene in 2019 when he joined Sea Risk Solutions, bringing his fisheries and subsea infrastructure planning experience to help inform offshore wind developers and the fishing communities about their respective activities and facilitate coexistence.

ronlarsen@searisksolutions.com, (570) 242-5023

 Fishing Gear Loss Claim Procedure

Please use the form below to submit a claim to US Wind.

Offshore Activities

US Wind Mariners Briefing – March 12, 2024

US Wind buoy decommissioning and clearance survey

US Wind has completed its multi-year LIDAR buoy metocean data gathering campaign. Last fall the metocean buoy was recovered and brought to a site in Massachusetts for data validation, which will be used to further refine engineering plans for US Wind’s Maryland Offshore Wind Project. A marker buoy was deployed at the LIDAR buoy’s previous location.

In March and April 2024, our partners at OTS and Northstar will complete removal of the Trawl Resistant Bottom Mount (TRBM) system, and formally decommission the US Wind Lighted Meteorological Buoy (LLN 215) located off Ocean City, Maryland. Following removal of the TRBM and marker buoy, the University of Delaware will conduct an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle survey to confirm the removal of all objects on the seafloor. The vessels will be operating in the vicinity of: 38°21’10”N  074°45’13”W. Mariners are requested to provide a slow bell and wide berth in vicinity of the vessel operations to ensure the safety of our crews.

Trawl Resistant Bottom Mount system
Marker buoy
Marker buoy
Northstar 4
Northstar 4
Northstar Challenger
Northstar Challenger

US Wind is currently seeking federal, state, and local permits to install and operate an up to 2 gigawatt clean renewable power facility off the Atlantic coast of Maryland. Detailed information about the Project’s Construction and Operations Plan and Environmental Reviews can be found at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s website at: https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/maryland-offshore-wind.

US Wind Mariners Briefings can be found on our website at https://uswindinc.com/mariners/ or requested from Benjamin Cooper, US Wind’s Director of Marine Affairs (410-340-9602; b.cooper@uswindinc.com). You may also wish to contact US Wind’s Fisheries Liaison Officers for fisheries specific information:  Wolfgang Rain (206-427-6553; wrain@searisksolutions.com) and Ron Larsen (570-242-5023; ronlarsen@searisksolutions.com).

Automatic Identification System (AIS) window showing maritime activity

US Wind is conducting geophysical and geotechnical survey campaigns to support our federal site characterization requirements. Geophysical survey vessels map the seafloor and near-surface sub-bottom using a variety of non-intrusive acoustic and magnetic technologies while geotechnical survey vessels extract small diameter seabed core samples, analyzing those samples to inform foundation design, turbine locations, and cable routing.

This Automatic Identification System (AIS) window will show maritime activity in the region for vessels equipped with and using AIS to aid in our communication and coordination with all mariners.

Fishing & Offshore Wind Development: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

US Wind has not yet selected the turbine model to be installed, while the technology and output capacity of offshore wind turbines continue to advance. However, the state-of-the-art GE Haliade X 14.7 MW turbine is representative of current industry standards and projection for the amounts of lubricants aboard offshore wind turbines. Each GE Haliade X 14.7 MW turbine holds 107 gallons of synthetic lubricating oil and 94 gallons of bearing grease. By way of comparison, a typical 44’ charter fishing boat carries 446 gallons of marine diesel onboard.

Offshore wind turbines are specifically designed with secondary containment systems that exceed the total amount of fluids onboard to prevent any leakage to the ocean. Research and progress continue in developing non-toxic and biodegradable lubricants for wind turbine generators.

A comparable picture of the only offshore wind so far developed in federal waters is represented by the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind pilot project: https://www.dominionenergy.com/projects-and-facilities/wind-power-facilities-and-projects/coastal-virginia-offshore-wind. It is comprised of two (2) six-megawatt (6 MW) turbines. These are smaller than the turbines US Wind will likely end up selecting, though no decision has been made on that yet. The Block Island Wind Farm off the coast of Block Island, Rhode Island is comprised of five (5) 6 MW turbines. Some photos of these “jacketed” towers/turbines can be seen at: https://dwwind.com/project/block-island-wind-farm/.

Organizations like the Maryland Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies have created simulations for maritime operations in the vicinity of offshore wind farms. An example simulation can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njDcnxV3h5o.

Subsea cables would be 8 to 12 inches in diameter; smaller onshore cables would be installed in ducts underground. All offshore cables will be buried approximately 6 feet below the seafloor. Onshore cables will be buried underground in traditional duct banks used for onshore utilities. Offshore cables will be horizontally directionally drilled from nearshore to an underground transition vault. No open trenches or ditches will be used. Any landing areas affected by this disturbance will be restored to previous conditions and all infrastructure onshore will remain buried underground.

Inter-array cables link individual turbines to the offshore substation, while export cables transport electricity from the offshore substations to the onshore grid. The export cable routes for the US Wind project have not yet been established, as further analysis is required before such routes are determined and approved by state and federal agencies. Potential landings are focused on sites in Delaware, but the landing points are not yet determined (see chartlet below, with the dark red lines indicating potential export cable routes up to state waters).

Up to four offshore substations will be sited throughout the Lease area to transfer electricity generated by individual turbines in US Wind’s projects to the onshore grid. The exact location of each substation has not yet been determined as surveys and analyses are still occurring.

Export cable routes in state waters are subject to approval by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and state environmental impact studies and permitting processes. Those permitting processes require significant study of any impacts to flora and fauna.

Existing wreck and reef locations are being identified in and around US Wind’s Lease area. No turbines will be installed at these locations for both fishery and practical considerations.

Each wind turbine generator will be installed on top of a steel monopile foundation. The monopile will have two layers of scour protection around its base: first, a layer of small filter stone will be placed on the seabed to limit turbidity; then, following the installation of the monopile and inter-array cable, a layer of larger armor stone will be placed around each monopile. US Wind estimates this scour protection will cover a maximum of approximately 1,200 square yards of seabed per monopile and it, as well as the monopile, will provide structure for marine life that supports the “reef effect” documented on the CVOW project, among others. The total amount of bottom disturbance will depend on the total number of turbines installed and the length of cables installed.

Multiple environmental studies have been and will be conducted to assess all known benthic and pelagic species that live within or migrate through the Lease Area. These studies will be provided during the permitting process by US Wind as well as the primary regulatory agency, BOEM. BOEM conducted an Environmental Assessment in this area prior to auctioning the leases as well as numerous studies in the Lease area and elsewhere. BOEM’s studies are available by topic and year here: https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy-research-completed-studies.

North Atlantic right whales feed mainly on small crustaceans (zooplankton), such as krill and copepods. There is no indication that turbine towers in the water have any effect on plankton distribution. There is, however, significant data showing that krill distribution is negatively affected by warming oceans caused by greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.

All of US Wind’s survey activities are conducted in accordance with federal and state regulations and health and safety policies and procedures. US Wind is currently conducting both geophysical and geotechnical survey work in and around our Lease area:

  • Geophysical surveys assess the seafloor and near-surface sub-bottom using a variety of non-intrusive acoustic and magnetic technologies that use sound to map the seabed, sub-seabed, and magnetic anomalies. This information helps US Wind understand the seabed topography and any surface obstructions (boulders or manmade materials), differences in the material and texture of the seabed, and the location of potential historical or archaeological resources. US Wind employs offshore fisheries liaisons onboard the geophysical survey vessel to identify and avoid any visible fishing gear. Additionally, full-time Protected Species Observers use acoustic and visual monitoring aids 24/7 to ensure that no dolphins, whales, or marine turtles are near the vessel operations during these surveys.
    • There are no known mortalities of any marine life related to US Wind’s geophysical survey operations.
  • Geotechnical surveys analyze soil conditions by extracting small diameter seabed core samples. These are very precise operations and do not disrupt the seabed around them. The information collected from geotechnical surveys helps ensure responsible development of the wind farm.
    • There have been no measurable mortalities associated with US Wind’s geotechnical survey operations.

There is no evidence to date that any of these species are adversely affected by either turbines or subsea power cables. Both turbine foundations and seabed scour protection are documented as providing significant, thriving artificial reef habitat that attracts and supports many species from invertebrates to large predators.

US Wind is not aware of any studies showing large-scale effects on species migration from the presence of offshore wind farms. Avoidance by seabirds, geese, and ducks have been documented in detailed studies in Europe and is similar to how birds avoid shipping lanes. These are questions US Wind will continue to study through pre- and post-construction studies of marine mammals and birds. Federal review of the project under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will require review of the best available science, along with data we are collecting, to minimize impacts to all wildlife to the greatest extent practicable. Work by the National Audubon Society shows little expected impact on bats and passerines, like warblers and vireos, off of Maryland’s coast since they usually migrate within 10 miles of shore.

US Wind will not lay cable through the Indian River Inlet and will not impact the bridge. Sonar equipment is towed through the water and does not touch the seabed. US Wind’s offshore wind turbines will be pile-driven into the seabed. No “islands” are built in association with offshore wind turbines. A narrow trench would be plowed as the cable is laid into it, resulting in only very proximal and very short-term turbidity.

Shallow soil samples (geotechnical) are collected along potential cable routes to support engineering and permitting efforts. Geotechnical samples collected are undergoing laboratory analysis and results will be public when available.

There are no restrictions on transit through or fishing within US Wind’s offshore wind turbine arrays. The spacing grid between turbines is expected to be about 1 nautical mile from North to South and approx. 0.78 nautical miles from West to East. Transit waypoints for some destinations may slightly increase the total distance and running time. Several studies on radar impacts from offshore wind facilities have been done in both the U.S. and Europe, and all have concluded that reasonable mitigations already exist that, if properly implemented, will sufficiently reduce radar impacts to an acceptable level that will provide for safe navigation. The U.S. Coast Guard has consistently stated that “[t]he potential for interference with marine radar is site specific and depends on many factors including, but not limited to, turbine size, array layouts, number of turbines, construction material(s), and the types of vessels impacted.” The Coast Guard recognizes that while radar impacts may be predicted during the design phase of a project, it cannot accurately be determined until after an offshore wind facility is constructed.

There are no islands associated with offshore wind turbines. Fishing vessels, dive boats and such may not tie up to nor board the tower landings, but there are no restrictions on fishing or transiting near the turbine towers.

Inter-array cables link individual turbines to the offshore substations while export cables transport electricity from the offshore substations to the onshore grid. The export cable routes for the US Wind project have not yet been established, as further analysis is required before such routes are determined and approved by state and federal agencies. Potential landings are focused on sites in Delaware, but the landing points are not yet determined. US Wind plans up to four export cables to connect the wind farm to the electric grid. Subsea cables would be 8 to 12 inches in diameter; smaller onshore cables installed in ducts underground. All offshore cables will be buried approximately 6 feet below the seafloor. Onshore cables will be buried under ground in traditional duct banks used for onshore utilities. The proposed export cable corridor from the Lease area to US Wind’s onshore substations will span between 40-60 miles in length, dependent on the location of the offshore substations and the final routing to the point of interconnect.

Each Wind Turbine Generator will sit atop a tower and steel monopile foundation that is up to 26-39 feet in diameter.

There are no regulations restricting any vessels in state or federal waters from using biofuels; however, biofuels are not readily available at commercial ports.

Due to the fetch between towers relative to their diameter, the effect of their presence on waves and currents is likely only very localized around each tower, and of no significant oceanic effect.

US Wind does not anticipate its offshore wind projects to interfere with radio frequencies, but we have sent a request to the National Telecommunications Information Administration to confirm.

All offshore wind developers must develop an Emergency Response Plan that is approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Coast Guard. Developers work with the Coast Guard to establish communication protocols, turbine shutdown procedures, and periodic exercises to support Search and Rescue response by helicopters and vessels.

Based on vessel Automatic Identification System (AIS) observations and local interviews, the great majority of local vessel transits through the US Wind Lease area are by vessels operating out of Ocean City, MD. There is, of course, significant seasonal recreational/tournament activity from local Delaware ports. US Wind personnel will meet with Delaware fishermen on March 2, 2022, at the Dewey Beach Lifesaving Station to provide further information and gather feedback.

1 Hutchison et al. 2018, “Electromagnetic Field Impacts on Elasmobranch (shark, rays and skates) and American Lobster Movement from Direct Cables.”

2 Love et al. 2016, “Renewable Energy in situ Power Cable Observation.”

3 Normandeau Associates Inc 2011, Effects of EMFs from Undersea Power Cables on Elasmobranchs and Other Marine Species

4 Bodznick, Montgomery, and Tricas 2003, “Electroreception: Extracting Behaviorally.”

5 Lohmann and Lohmann 1996, “Detection of Magnetic Field Intensity by Sea Turtles.”

6 Lohmann and Lohmann 2004, “Geomagnetic map used in sea-turtle navigation.”

7 Lohmann and Putman 2008, “Geomagnetic imprinting: A unifying hypothesis of long-distance natal homing in salmon and sea turtles.”

8 Snyder et al. 2019, “Evaluation of Potential EMF Effects on Fish Species of Commercial or Recreational Fishing Importance in Southern New England.”

9 British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) (2007). “Investigation of Technical and Operational Effects on Marine Radar Close to Kentish Flats Offshore Wind Farm”, MARICO Marine, April 2007.

10 Elsam Engineering, DK (2004), “Report on Horns-Rev VHF radio and marine radar,” for Cape Wind Associates, Doc. No. 186829, March 2004.

11 Howard, Martin and Colin Brown (2004), “Electromagnetic Investigations and Assessments of Marine Radar, Communications and

Positioning Systems undertaken at the North Hoyle Wind Farm by QinetiQ and the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency,” MCA 53/10/366,

QINETIQ/03/00297/1, 15 November 2004.

12 Qinetiq (2015), “Assessment of the Impact of the Proposed Block Island Wind Farm on Vessel Radar Systems”, For Deepwater Wind,

QINETIQ/15/01675/2.0, 25 August 2015.

13 Qinetiq (2019), “Assessment of the Impact of the Proposed Skipjack Wind Farm on Vessel Radar Systems”, QINETIQ/19/00948/1.0, 8 March 2019. 14 U.S. Coast Guard Final Report “The Areas Offshore of Massachusetts and Rhode Island Port Access Route Study” dated May 14, 2020.

15 Methratta, E.T., and Dardick, W.R. 2019. Meta-analysis of finfish abundance at offshore wind facilities. Reviews in Fisheries Science and Aquaculture,

27(2): 242-260.

16 Reubens, J.T., Degraer, S., and Vincx, M. 2014. The ecology of benthopelagic fishes at offshore wind facilities; a synthesis of four years of research.

Hydrobiologia, 727: 121-136.

17 https://www.lazard.com/media/451419/lazards-levelized-cost-of-energy-version-140.pdf

18 Id.