AqualisBraemar LOC (ABL) has supported the German authorities in identifying the risk of marine traffic to expected offshore wind developments in the North Sea between 2020 and 2040.
ABL undertook a navigational risk assessment (NRA) that involved the collaboration of all coastal states and the study also concluded with risk mitigation measures.
The North Sea study, which was conducted for the German Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community, in particular focusses on areas with existing or prospective offshore wind farm and maritime renewable development across the whole of the North Sea.
The work included a detailed marine traffic study and the identification of qualitative characteristics within the main shipping routes in the North Sea, projecting traffic growth over the next 20 years.
A risk assessment aimed to identify areas in the North Sea with the highest concentration of collision and grounding risk, including modelling of traffic corridors.
ABL master mariner Diego Cerquenich said: “Navigational risk analysis can play a significant role in the early identification of optimal windows for offshore construction, installation and maintenance operations for the energy sector.
“This study is a good step in mapping out where marine traffic poses a risk to the busy ongoing and prospective construction plans for European offshore wind.”
The study aims to strengthen the partnership between North Sea coastal states and reinforce a collective approach to identifying and resolving future challenges facing offshore wind developments.
It also contributes to the revision of the German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency’s maritime spatial plan.