Future-Proofing Vessel Traffic Services for the UK’s Busiest Port
NASH Maritime, part of APEM Group, supported the Port of London Authority (PLA) in developing a comprehensive specification for its next-generation Vessel Traffic...
APEM Group - Case Study
NASH Maritime, part of APEM Group, is supporting the development of the Ayre Offshore Wind Farm – a significant 1GW wind project located east of Orkney, Scotland. The project, initially led by Thistle Wind Partners (TWP) and owned by Qair, represents a major step toward Scotland’s renewable energy ambitions.
With the offshore consent application now under review by the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate, NASH Maritime’s work has been instrumental in shaping a robust Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for shipping and navigation.
Project Overview
Ayre Offshore Wind Farm will deliver up to 1 GW of clean energy, enough to power over 1.2 million homes. As part of the EIA process, NASH Maritime provided specialist consultancy on Navigation Risk Assessment (NRA) and impact analysis for marine users, ensuring compliance with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 654 and working towards safe and sustainable maritime co-existence. Working alongside EIA lead Tetra Tech RPS Energy, NASH Maritime delivered a comprehensive assessment tailored to the unique challenges, including the potential use of floating wind technology.
Project Context
The Ayre Offshore Wind Farm is considering floating wind turbines as its base case, which introduces additional and distinct navigational considerations compared to fixed foundations. Ayre’s location east of Orkney required careful evaluation of vessel traffic patterns, stakeholder concerns, and regulatory requirements. NASH Maritime’s role was to provide clarity on potential risks and outline proportionate mitigation measures to enable safe coexistence between maritime users and offshore infrastructure.
Key Stats
- Surveys conducted: Three 14-day seasonally representative vessel traffic surveys
- Data analysed: 12 months of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data
- Stakeholder engagement: 6 consultation meetings + 1 joint hazard identification (HAZID) workshop
- Hazards assessed: 30, including floating wind-specific hazards
- Impacts evaluated: 12
Project Challenges
The preferred foundation type for Ayre’s turbines is floating with fixed foundations also being considered, introducing a combination of typical fixed and new floating-specific navigational hazards such as anchor spread moorings and potential loss of station / breakout. These complexities required a bespoke approach to risk assessment and stakeholder engagement.
Solution
NASH Maritime delivered an NRA aligned with MCA guidance and the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) framework. This included:
- Step 1: Hazard Identification
- Step 2: Risk Analysis
- Steps 3 and 4: Review and evaluation of risk controls
- Step 5: Make recommendations
Our Approach
- Data gathering and analysis: AIS data and vessel traffic surveys to establish a robust baseline.
- Stakeholder consultation: Engagement with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Northern Lighthouse Board, UK Chamber of Shipping, fisheries groups, ferry operators, and RYA Scotland.
- Risk workshop: Collaborative HAZID workshop to identify hazards, discuss risk scoring and agree on appropriate and proportionate mitigation strategies.
- Impact assessment: Detailed evaluation of shipping and navigation receptors within the EIA.
Our work provided the project with a clear understanding of navigational risks and mitigation requirements, positioning the project to meet regulatory expectations and maintain safe maritime operations during construction and operation phases.
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“Floating wind introduces a completely new set of navigational considerations compared to traditional fixed foundations. For Ayre Offshore Wind Farm, our priority was to deliver a Navigation Risk Assessment that not only met regulatory standards but also reflected the realities of operating in busy waters east of Orkney. By combining detailed AIS data analysis, vessel traffic surveys, and collaborative stakeholder workshops, we’ve helped ensure that shipping and offshore wind can safely share the same space.”
— Brocque Preece, Principal Consultant – NASH Maritime
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