New rules are coming into force to support the UK offshore wind farm industry from today, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.
The change will mean that vessels transporting those who work on offshore wind farms will be able to carry greater numbers of workers while still meeting safety standards.
High speed offshore service craft now will be able to legally transport up to 60 workers.
Vessels which transport workers to offshore wind farms were not legally allowed to carry more than 12 people, no matter the size of vessel.
To carry more workers to and from their place of work these boats must currently comply with more onerous safety requirements for passenger ships.
The new rules will provide a solution to the increasing number of logistical problems in the operation and maintenance of these wind farms, which are being developed ever further from the shore, the Agency said.
The legislative changes followed discussions between the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the industry looking at how to solve the logistical problems of transporting workers.
Following a six-week consultation across late summer, new legislation will mean workers on offshore wind farms are classified differently to normal passengers.
This is because they are required to be fit and to have undertaken specialist marine safety and survival training.
Maritime Minister Robert Courts said: “Our offshore wind sector is a key part of our energy infrastructure, and one of our great success stories, creating jobs for coastal communities across the UK.
“I’m pleased that we can reduce red tape while maintaining the highest safety standards to support the offshore wind industry.”
Maritime and Coastguard Agency assistant director for ship standards Gwilym Stone said: “This legislation helps to support innovation and growth in the offshore energy sector without compromising on safety.
“There are currently around 46 vessels of this type operating in UK waters, this new legislation provides legal clarity to the offshore wind farm industry to carry workers to and from wind farms dependent on each individual vessels’ capacity.
“This brings the UK in line with many other countries that already have similar regulations in place.”