As of 9 February, the high-speed offshore service craft of up to 500 GT will be able to carry up to 60 workers to and from wind farms offshore the UK while still meeting safety standards under new rules proposed by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Vessels which transported workers to offshore wind farms were previously not legally allowed to carry more than 12 industrial personnel, no matter the size of vessel.
To carry more workers to and from their place of work, these vessels had to comply with more onerous safety requirements for passenger ships.
The new rules 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 Maritime and Coastguard Agency 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,” the UK’s Maritime Minister Robert Courts said.
”I’m pleased that we can reduce red tape while maintaining the highest safety standards to support the offshore wind industry.”
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 as they are required to be fit and to have undertaken specialist marine safety and survival training.
”This legislation helps to support innovation and growth in the offshore energy sector without compromising on safety,” Gwilym Stone , Assistant Director, Ship Standards at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.
”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.”
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NOTE: The article has been amended.