Ossian Offshore Wind Farm Limited (OWFL) has completed 24 months of digital aerial surveys across the 3600MW Ossian project site area, 80km south-east of Scotland’s Aberdeenshire coast.
HiDef Aerial Surveying carried out the work from March 2021 to February 2023.
The monthly surveys included an 8km buffer area and took place using four planes along transects at 2.5km spacing.
The project consisted of 330 hours of flight time across 4050 square kilometres.
Each aircraft is equipped with high-definition camera equipment that captures live footage which is then assessed by ornithology and marine mammal experts.
So far, the team has analysed over 16 million images following the survey.
Data collected will be vital for understanding the distribution and habits of key birdlife and marine mammal species across the proposed floating wind farm’s array zone and surrounding area.
“Aerial surveys are a logistical challenge, but very rewarding,” said managing director for HiDef Martin Scott
“The team recorded a variety of seabirds, dolphins and a few minke whales, which are always a thrill to locate.”
Development lead for Ossian Holly Cartwright added: “The data collected by the HiDef team is integral for understanding the distribution and habits of key ornithology and marine mammal species in and around Ossian’s proposed development area.
“It will be used in compiling our final Environmental Impact Assessment report and inform how we can enter construction with the utmost attention and consideration of the important biodiversity which will continue to co-exist with Ossian.”
Ossian Wind Farm Limited partners is a consortium comprising SSE Renewables, Marubeni and CIP.