Increased maritime traffic, larger vessels, and proposed offshore wind projects have led the Coast Guard to look at adding anchorage points on Delaware Bay and the Atlantic.
“We are considering this action after receiving requests suggesting additional anchorage grounds are necessary to accommodate current and future vessel traffic, improve navigation safety, and because traditional anchorage areas may not be available due to planned or potential offshore wind energy development,” the Coast Guard summary stated.
The Coast Guard pointed to the deepening of the Delaware River channel as another factor that could bring more vessels to the anchorage area.
Three proposed anchorages are as follows:
Anchorage B – Breakwater is located in the Delaware Bay beginning approximately 2.5 miles north of Cape Henlopen includes areas traditionally used by vessels for anchoring, and is in naturally deep water with charted depths between 50 and 77 feet.
Anchorage C – Cape Henlopen is located in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 9.4 miles east of the Delaware coast and is in naturally deep water with charted depths between 41 and 85 feet. The anchorage ground includes areas anticipated to be used by vessels for anchoring once offshore wind energy areas are developed.
Anchorage D -Indian River is notionally located in the Atlantic Ocean beginning approximately 6 miles east of the Delaware coast, includes areas traditionally used by vessels for anchoring, and is in naturally deep water with charted depths between 40 and 85 feet. The frequency of vessels using the anchorage grounds is anticipated to increase once offshore wind energy areas are developed.
Click here to read the Federal Register notice and to file public comments on the proposals.
