The US Coast Guard published in the Federal Register a request for comments on the draft Offshore Massachusetts and Rhode Island Port Access Route Study. The goal of the study, which was conducted from 26 March to 15 December 2019, is to enhance navigational safety in the study area by examining existing shipping routes and waterway uses.
To accomplish this goal, the Coast Guard has undertaken measures to determine what, if any, navigational safety concerns currently exist with vessel transits.
The study also seeks to examine existing shipping routes and waterway uses, and evaluate the need for establishing vessel routing measures in light of current and anticipated future demands associated with offshore wind leases in the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Wind Energy Area.
USCG seeks public comments on the content and development of the report, up to 16 March 2020.
This undertaking is required by 46 U.S.C. 70003, which calls for the Coast Guard to conduct a port access route study prior to establishing fairways or traffic separation schemes (TSSs).
The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has leased seven adjacent areas of the Outer Continental Shelf south of Martha’s Vineyard and east of Rhode Island that together constitute the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Wind Energy Area.
Seven distinct wind farms could potentially be constructed, each with its own number, size, type of wind turbines, and distinct turbine layout.
The topic of safe navigation routes to facilitate vessel transit through the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Wind Energy Area has been discussed at various forums throughout southeastern New England.
The forums have included participation by the Coast Guard, other federal, state, and local agencies, fishing industry representatives, and myriad stakeholders.
Various different transit plans have been proposed through these different forums in which no consensus of all stakeholders was reached.
