A stand-off over shipping lanes and unresolved radar concerns dominated a Mooir Vannin offshore wind farm hearing this week, with the panel warning that key disagreements may now require formal adjudication.
The haring heard that ferry operators Stena Line and the Steam Packet remain at odds with applicant Ørsted over whether the proposed 4.1 nautical mile gap between Mooir Vannin and the existing Morgan wind farm provides sufficient “sea room” for safe navigation.
Stena Line’s Michael Proctor said adverse weather and emergency situations were central to the operator’s concerns.
“The amount of time available to the master and the ship’s engineers in order to restore those systems and get the vessel underway and avoid contact with a fixed structure is quite considerably reduced,” he told the hearing.
The Steam Packet’s Robert Hunter called for a larger buffer. “Our views for a call of sea room in the choke point convergence area in excess of five nautical miles,” he said.
However, the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency backed the applicant’s position.
Nick Salter from the UK MCA confirmed: “Our position is that the distances have met UK guidance, and no other concerns have been raised.” He later confirmed the sea room provided is “compliant”.
Ørsted’s representative Amy Stirling maintained the applicant’s stance. “The applicant’s position remains that the safety implications of Mooir Vannin in relation to shipping and navigation are ALARP across the board,” she said.
Radar
The ferry operators also both raised concerns about potential post-construction effects on marine radar systems.
Mr Proctor said: “We still have some challenges with regards to the amount of construction of wind farms in the area and the potential for them to cause disturbance with regards to marine radar.”
But when asked about formal complaints regarding existing wind farms, Mr Hunter revealed none had been made.
Panel member Rynd Smith indicated the sea room dispute may need a final decision from the examining body. “It feels as though it is adjudication material,” he said.
Ørsted said it is working on a mitigation agreement with Stena Line, with updates expected at the next formal deadline. The hearing continues.