January 27, 2026 — Federal officials on Jan. 21 asked a Massachusetts court to uphold the government’s halt to construction at Vineyard Wind 1’s offshore project, which has left 10 turbines partially built — called a “hammerhead” status for each turbine — with towers and nacelles installed, but no blades.
Court filings show the $4.5 billion project is 95% complete, weeks from finishing, and incurring millions in daily costs.
In separate submissions to the court and the federal Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Vineyard Wind 1 has pushed for the go-ahead to install the missing blades, saying that leaving the turbines in “hammerhead” status for too long increases safety, structural and operational risks and leaves components exposed to corrosion, fire hazards, and potential marine debris. The stop-work order, however, does not allow new construction.