Environment
Seabed Surveys for Offshore Windfarm Continue
Postcards to be delivered to every household with timeline for development of the Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm.
A contract to gather seabed data at the site proposed for, potentially, the Isle of Man’s first offshore windfarm has been awarded to XOCEAN.
If you’re planning on hanging out approximately 6 to 12 nautical miles off Maughold Head over the next five weeks, specifically in the area granted for lease to Ørsted by the Isle of Man Government in 2015, then CANCEL THOSE PLANS. The company will be carrying out surveys there and you’ll just end up in the way.
XOCEAN will also be surveying the seabed in and around Douglas Bay and Douglas Harbour, investigating possible cable routes from the offshore wind farm to the Island, so don’t be hanging out there either.
Keeping sustainability in mind, the company will be using an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV – not to be confused with SUV) to gather seabed data, which are designed for the efficient, cost-effective and low carbon collection of commercial ocean data.
Ørsted will be issuing a report this week to highlight the findings and also feedback from community information events held at venues across the Island last November. From next week (March 18th) postcards will be delivered to every household with a link to the report and a projected timeline for the development of the Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm.
The next step in the project will be an extensive assessment and consultation process which is being planned for this year. Consultation events will be held throughout the summer in 2024 and the intention is to submit a planning application to the Isle of Man Government in 2025.
John Galloway, Development Director for Ørsted in the Isle Man said:
“We would like to thank everyone who has provided feedback so far to help us begin to shape the future of the Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm. In addition to further consultation with communities and stakeholders on the Island, we will be issuing regular newsletters and updates on our website. We want to ensure that everyone is kept updated and can share insights and comments with us throughout the process.”
You can find out more about the Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm project here.
