DONG Energy Bans Norfolk Fishermen from Race Bank Site

DONG Energy has issued an injunction restricting fishermen to work in the Race Bank offshore wind farm site, 17 miles off the Norfolk coast. 

The offshore wind developer is about to survey the seabed at the offshore wind farm site, and has banned the local fishermen to enter the area between August 15 and October 22. 

NFFO Chief Executive, Barrie Deas, commented: “It is very regrettable that the company has seen fit to turn to the courts over an issue that should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations. Fishermen have a legitimate right to fish on their customary grounds and using a high court injunction to force them out of the way seems like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

“In over 30 years, there have been very few examples in which offshore developers have resorted to the courts. We can usually sort out an amicable arrangement that compensates fishermen for losing temporary or permanent access to their fishing areas.”

However, according to the local media, DONG Energy stated that it was in discussions with the fishermen, but they could not reach an agreement.

Mr. Deas added: “It seems that Dong Energy has left insufficient time to reach agreement with local fishermen and there has been a regrettable breakdown in dialogue.” 

In December 2013, DONG Energy acquired the Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm from Centrica Plc. With a potential maximum capacity of up to 580MW, Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm could generate enough electricity to power 457,296 UK homes per year.