Information for Mariners - Block Island Wind Farm

The Block Island Wind Farm (BIWF) is a 30 megawatt offshore wind farm located approximately 3 miles southeast of Block Island, RI. The BIWF consists of five, 6 megawatt wind turbines, a submarine cable connecting the turbines, and a submarine cable from the northernmost turbine to an interconnection point on Block Island.

The construction of the five turbines and the transmission cables was completed in 2016. The BIWF team has worked closely with mariners, including commercial and recreational fishing groups, to minimize impacts to the extent possible.

Briefings for Mariners

Briefings for Mariners are issued to the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Fishery Liaison, and posted here. The briefings include details of current operational activities at the wind farm, where we are working, information about the vessels being used, as well as future outlooks. The briefings are issued as needed. View the most recent briefing: BIWF Mariners Brief 316 20180322

You can also access all past briefings here

Information for Mariners Fact Sheet

You can access information on the submarine cable and protection mats here:

BIWF Submarine Cable - Mariners Info

Mariner Safety

From time to time, we’ll be performing routine operations and maintenance activities at the project site. During those times, we request that mariners transiting or fishing in the area of the wind farm to provide a wide berth to support vessels. Vessels transiting in the vicinity of the BIWF should operate at a no wake speed in a manner that will not endanger support vessels or associated equipment. Mariners are requested to remain clear of all work platforms and attendant vessels during BIWF operations and otherwise use extreme caution when navigating in the vicinity of the BIWF.