The Coast Guard today announced its completion of the Massachusetts-Rhode Island Port Access Route Study.
The Study recommends that the Massachusetts-Rhode Island Wind Energy Area’s turbine layout be developed along a standard and uniform grid pattern with at least three lines of orientation and standard spacing to accommodate vessel transits, traditional fishing operations, and search and rescue operations through the Wind Energy Area. If such a uniform grid pattern is adopted and approved by Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the need for formal or informal routing measures within the Wind Energy Areas will likely be eliminated.
The Study further recommends that mariners seeking to transit the area use extra caution, ensure proper watch, and assess risk prior to entering the Wind Energy Area.
