The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has issued a new Suspension Order to Vineyard Wind 1, detailing operational requirements and actions necessary before personnel can board any wind turbines. This order is part of the ongoing investigation into the turbine generator blade failure that occurred on July 13, 2024.

The new directive prohibits Vineyard Wind 1 from generating electricity or constructing additional wind turbine generator towers, nacelles, or blades. Additionally, the company must submit an analysis of risks to personnel and mitigation measures before boarding any facility. However, Vineyard Wind 1 is allowed to perform other activities not specified in the suspension order, such as installing inter-array cables and conducting surveys outside the damaged turbine’s safety exclusion zone.

“As our investigation continues, we are serving as a federal liaison between the responsible party, Vineyard Wind 1, GE Vernova, and other federal, state, local, and Tribal agencies,” said BSEE Director Kevin Sligh. “We are continuously engaged across all the incident response entities to ensure response operations are well coordinated and conducted safely through information sharing, planning and analysis of proposed activities.”

“BSEE prioritizes offshore worker safety and environmental protection, and we will use all tools available to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations on the Outer Continental Shelf,” added Director Sligh.

BSEE is conducting a comprehensive independent investigation into the causes of the incident. The findings will be made public once the investigation is complete.

Periodic updates will be provided by BSEE as more information becomes available. For details on response and recovery efforts, visit Vineyard Wind news and announcements.