The government has not closed the door on a future gas license being permitted in Manx waters.
It says any future examination of the potential field off the island’s east coast would require cooperation with Orsted for its offshore wind plans.
The DoI confirmed there are currently no specific co-location requirements for a gas licensee and an offshore wind lessee in the Island’s Territorial Seas.
Responding to a question from Chris Thomas, Dr Michelle Haywood said: “Given that there is no longer a hydrocarbon nor a gas licensee in operation for the Island’s Territorial Seas there is no need for co-location requirements at this time.”
The Minister indicated that future arrangements would likely be handled commercially, adding: “If circumstances whereby co-location were to happen in the island’s territorial seas again, it is likely that the requirements would be pursued through commercial negotiations and contracts.”
Crogga’s licence to drill for gas in Manx waters expired earlier this year, but it is possible Tynwald vote to allow a new license to be issued in the future.
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