GE Vernova and Vineyard Wind have provided an update on the implementation of their Incident and Response and Action Plan. The plan outlined GE Vernova’s three-stage approach to preparing blades for an anticipated return to service.
After implementing extensive quality checks, GE Vernova intends to remove some blades from the Vineyard Wind farm while strengthening other blades as needed to support the safety and operational readiness of this project.
With respect to the removal of the AW-38 blade involved in the July event, GE Vernova committed to undertaking several tasks with Resolve Marine, under the supervision of a federal interagency. These tasks included blade rotations to reduce blade debris, the removal of the hanging portion of the blade, clearing debris from the platform, and addressing seabed debris. The first three tasks have been completed, and the fourth, the removal of seabed debris, began on 13 October 2024 and will be completed this week. The final task, removal of the root of the blade from the rotor hub, is expected to occur in the coming weeks.
Following authorisation in mid-August to resume certain activities, eight new towers and nacelles have been installed on the project. On 22 October 2024, the companies were granted approval to return to installing new blades on turbines at the project once stringent safety and operational conditions are met. The companies will continue to make progress on these elements in the upcoming weeks prior to installation.
