7. Construction Phase

7.1. Marine Lighting and Marking During Construction

  1. During the construction phase of the Array, all structures regardless of construction status will be marked with temporary flashing yellow 2.5 seconds lights (visible through 360°) with a 2 nm range. It is likely that two lights per structure will be used to ensure 360° visibility. Requirements for the lighting of structures during towing operations will be agreed with relevant stakeholders post-consent.
  2. Temporary construction buoyage will be in place during the construction phase at the Array. This will be a combination of cardinal marks and special marks. Specifications of each buoy are to be agreed with NLB.
  3. Likewise, the lighting and marking requirements for the transition to the operation and maintenance phase, including a process for the removal of temporary lighting and buoyage and approval of permanent lighting, will be agreed with NLB as the construction programme is developed.

7.2. Aviation Lighting and Marking During Construction

  1. Aviation lighting or marking to be implemented during the construction phase will be agreed with CAA as the installation methodology, sequencing and programme are developed and finalised. The Applicant will undertake promulgation of information to the relevant aviation authorities and stakeholders prior to, and during construction.
  2. The lighting and marking requirements for the transition to the operation phase will be agreed with CAA as the construction programme is developed.

8. Wind Farm Layout Numbering

  1. Unless otherwise agreed by the MCA, the numbering of the wind turbines at the Array shall follow the MCA (2021a) guidance. This numbering should be sequential, aligned with ‘SAR lanes’ and begin with the OREI name designator code, then the row/column numbering starting with ‘A’ and then the wind turbine number.
  2. The identification marking must be discussed with the MCA who will advise on any specific requirements for the Array. This will be confirmed once layouts have been finalised.

 

9. References

CAA (2016). Policy and Guidelines on Wind Turbines (CAP 764). Available at: CAP764 Issue6 FINAL Feb.pdf (caa.co.uk). Accessed on: 27 May 2024.

CAA (2021a). Standards for offshore helicopter landing areas (CAP 437). Available at: Standards for offshore helicopter landing areas (caa.co.uk). Accessed on: 27 May 2024.

CAA (2021b). CAP 393: Regulations made under powers in the Civil Aviation Act 1982 and the Air Navigation Order 2016. Available at: Regulations made under powers in the Civil Aviation Act 1982 and the Air Navigation Order 2016 (caa.co.uk). Accessed on: 27 May 2024.

IALA (2021). G1162 The Marking of Offshore Man-Made Structures. Available at: G1162 Ed1.0 The marking of offshore man-made structures - IALA AISM (iala-aism.org). Accessed on: 27 May 2024.

IMO (1972/77). Convention on International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) – Annex 3. London: IMO.

IMO (1974). International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). London: IMO.

MCA (2021). MGN 654 (M+F). Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREIs) Safety Response. Available at: MGN 654 (M+F) Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREI) safety response - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Accessed on: 27 May 2024.

MCA (2022). MGN 372 Amendment 1 (M+F) Safety of Navigation: Guidance to Mariners Operating in the Vicinity of UK Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREIs). Southampton: MCA

MCA (2024). Offshore Renewable Energy Installations: Requirements, guidance and operational considerations for SAR and Emergency Response (MGN 654 Annex 5). Available at: Offshore Renewable Energy Installations: Requirements, Guidelines and Operational Considerations for SAR and Emergency Response (publishing.service.gov.uk). Accessed on: 27 May 2024.

RYA (2019). The RYA’s Position on Offshore Renewable Energy Developments: Paper 1 (of 4) – Wind Energy. 5th revision. Southampton: RYA.