BSH: Legal Approval of Offshore Wind Farms

German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) rejected the objections against the approval of offshore wind farms.

Monika Breuch –Moritz, president of BSH said that the approvals were given under the current legislative framework, and that there were no reasons to deny them.

“A permit for a wind farm will only be granted if the safety and efficiency of navigation and the marine environment are not endangered. Extensive investigations and strict conditions to protect the marine environment to minimize the impact of such projects are required prior to approvals.”

The approval of offshore wind farm Butendiek from 2002 has become final and official. Despite the fact that the site area was not recognized as a bird sanctuary at the time of approval, the BSH has considered increased requirements for the protection of the marine environment as part of permit approval procedure.

Offshore WIND staff, February 4, 2014; Image: bsh