This notice is to inform you that the University of Maine will be towing a research floating wind turbine weighing 375 tons and is 56ft wide x 111ft tall. The barge will be towed about 5.5 nautical miles from Mack Point in Searsport, Maine to just off of Dyce Head in Castine, Maine.
For public safety, enabling resumption of other port operations, and technical reasons the research turbine must be towed from the Mack Point pier to its long-planned safe mooring location. UMaine is reviewing options to collect important research data using this completed asset.
The date of the tow is highly dependent on weather, and vessel traffic at Mack Point but is expected to take place between May 9th and May 16th. Depending on vessel traffic, weather, and hook operations at the planned mooring, there is an optional stop at a separate temporary mooring off of Castine near Maine Maritime Academy if needed.
The towing will be completed by Maine Maritime Academy. The radio frequency for the tow will be VHF Channel 10 and monitoring 16 and 13. VHF Channel 13 and 16 safety calls will be made to all concerned vessels in the vicinity during tows.
The proposed tow route is attached including waypoints. The tow will be conducted at a speed of about 2 knots. The estimated width of tow route is about 100ft total for the 56ft wide barge and tow vessels.
Gear does not need to be moved for this tow given the small size of the barge.
Advanced Structures & Composites Center