Vineyard Wind has filed a lawsuit against its former partner GE Vernova, the turbine manufacturer responsible for the construction and maintenance of the largest offshore wind farm in New England, as legal disputes emerge amid the project’s completion. The $4.5 billion offshore wind farm, located south of Martha’s Vineyard, announced the conclusion of construction last month after installing 62 turbines to create an 800-megawatt commercial-scale facility.

The suit, filed Wednesday in Suffolk County Superior Court, seeks to compel GE Vernova to remain involved in the project, asserting that the wind farm’s continued success depends on their ongoing participation. Vineyard Wind argues that the turbines currently do not meet the performance standards necessary to deliver the energy output required to sustain the project’s financial obligations. The company warns that without GE’s continued support, the project faces severe operational and financial risks, including the potential for foreclosure on a $2 billion loan whose repayments begin this summer.

GE Vernova issued a notice on February 27 terminating its contracts with Vineyard Wind effective April 28, citing more than $300 million in unpaid bills. Vineyard’s lawsuit counters this claim, accusing GE of “deficient performance” throughout the project and asserting that their own financial position is strengthened by damages owed by GE for extensive defects and delays. Vineyard claims that GE’s shortcomings, including missed deadlines and poor work quality during turbine manufacturing and installation phases, resulted in nearly two years of project delays.

A significant point of contention in the lawsuit relates to a 2024 incident when a turbine blade manufactured by GE collapsed into the ocean, triggering an environmental response and a $10.5 million settlement with Nantucket. Following an internal investigation, Vineyard alleges that 68 of 72 blades installed suffered from the same adhesive bonding failure as the collapsed blade, rendering them unusable. GE subsequently replaced all blades, dismissed more than 40 factory employees, and shifted production operations to France, according to the suit.

Vineyard Wind asserts it is owed over $850 million by GE, offsetting the claimed outstanding payments of $308 million and nullifying GE’s justification for terminating the contracts. Vineyard has repeatedly requested GE withdraw its termination notice, but negotiations between senior executives last Monday failed to yield an agreement.

In response, a GE Vernova spokesperson confirmed their decision to end involvement with Vineyard Wind due to prolonged nonpayment, emphasizing their intent to defend their contractual rights through legal proceedings.

The case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 16 as both companies pursue resolution of their dispute over the future operation and maintenance of the landmark offshore wind project.