Report Maps Regulations on Offshore Wind Vessels in North Sea

The Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) has had a report drawn up that maps the regulations and industry standards applicable to maritime operations in the offshore wind sector of Denmark, the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands.

The report, which DNV GL has made for the Danish Maritime Authority, focuses on the need to harmonise the regulations of the offshore wind industry. Harmonised regulations in the maritime area could contribute to the competitiveness of shipowners and eliminate any unnecessary administrative burdens, the DMA said.

The report has mapped the safety regulations and standards that apply when approving ships as well as crew qualifications in the four offshore wind sectors: Denmark, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Though the report shows that, in several areas, the countries have a common understanding of safety standards, the report points to the need to harmonise especially the safety standards applicable to offshore service craft for the carriage of wind turbine technicians.

In addition, there is a need to harmonise the industry’s own standards, especially as regards crews and wind turbine technicians, for example in connection with the transfer of persons between ship and wind turbine, as well as health examinations and safety training of especially wind turbine technicians.

On the basis of the report, the Danish Maritime Authority will now engage in dialogue with the industry in order to consider possible measures that could improve the framework conditions of the offshore wind sector by means of a higher degree of harmonisation of the regulations and standards applicable to the offshore wind sector in the North Sea.