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Rampion Offshore Wind Farm Safety Zones Application

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Rampion Offshore Wind Farm

Application for Safety Zones

Submitted to DECC for approval

November 2015

PREPARED REVIEWED SUBMITTED

Date: 01/11/15

Date: 16/11/15

Date: 17/11/15

Name / signature A Sidford

Name / signature: E Owen

Name / signature: A Sidford

Organisation / Division: ROW




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Rev. Purpose of

Issue** Remark/Description Init. Date

0A Prepared First Draft AS 01/11/15

0B Modifications EO 16/11/15

00 Application Submitted to DECC AS 17/11/15

**Purpose of Issue: for information, for review, for checking, issue to Relevant Authority


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Contents

1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 6

1.1 Project Background ..................................................................................................... 6

1.2 This document ............................................................................................................. 6

2 Application for Safety Zones .............................................................................................. 7

3 LegIslative Context ............................................................................................................. 8

3.1 Safety Zone Statement ................................................................................................ 8

3.2 Relevant legislation pursuant to this application ....................................................... 8

4 Project Description............................................................................................................. 9

4.1 Overview of the Offshore Site and Location ............................................................... 9

4.2 Proposed Safety Zone Locations ............................................................................... 10

4.3 Main Project Components ........................................................................................ 13

5 Construction Programme and Phasing of Installation ..................................................... 16

5.1 Construction Programme .......................................................................................... 16

5.2 Installation phasing ................................................................................................... 16

6 Aids to Navigation ............................................................................................................ 18

6.1 Requirements ............................................................................................................ 18

6.2 Aids to Navigation during construction .................................................................... 18

6.3 Aids to Navigation during operation ......................................................................... 20

7 Navigation Risk Assessment ............................................................................................. 25

8 Vessel Traffic Survey ........................................................................................................ 26

9 Implementation of Safety Zones ..................................................................................... 27

10 Mangement and Monitoring of Safety Zones .................................................................. 27

10.1 Marine Co-Ordination............................................................................................ 27

10.2 Notices to Mariners ............................................................................................... 28

10.3 ROW Exclusion Zones. ........................................................................................... 28

10.4 ROW Marine Co-ordination Reporting Process ..................................................... 29

10.5 Guard Vessels ........................................................................................................ 29

10.6 Safety Management Systems ................................................................................ 29


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Appendix 1: ROW Development Coordinates ......................................................................... 31

Appendix 2: Indicative distances between turbines ................................................................ 33

Appendix 3: Foundation installation Method .......................................................................... 34

Appendix 4: Proposed Installation Sequence .......................................................................... 39

Appendix 5: Site Markings Plan ............................................................................................... 42

Appendix 6: Navigational Risk Assessment ............................................................................. 43

Appendix 7: Vessel Traffic Survey ............................................................................................ 44


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Abbreviations

AIS Automatic Identification System

CAA Civil Aviation Authority

DECC Department of Energy and Climate Change

ES Environmental Statement

HAT Highest Astronomical Tide

IALA International Association of Lighthouse Authorities

IMO International Maritime Organisation

kV Kilovolts

LAT Lowest Astronomical Tide

MCA Maritime and Coastguard Agency

MGN Marine Guidance Notes

MHWS Mean High Water Springs

MLWS Mean low water springs

MSL Mean Sea Level

MW Megawatt

nm Nautical Miles (1nm ≡ 1,852 metres)

NRA Navigation Risk Assessment

OREI Offshore Renewable Energy Installation

ROW Rampion Offshore Wind Limited

THLS Trinity House Lighthouse Services (Trinity House)

The Order The Rampion Offshore Wind Farm Order 2014

TP Transition Piece

VTS Vessel Traffic Survey

WTG Wind Turbine Generator


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INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Background

1.1.1 The Rampion Offshore Wind Farm Order (SI 2014/1873) (the Order) was made by the Secretary of State on 16 July 2014.

1.1.2 The Order grants development consent to Rampion Offshore Wind Limited (ROW) for an offshore wind farm and ancillary works to be built in the English Channel off the Sussex Coast.

1.1.3 The Project will have a capacity of 400MW and consist of 116 wind turbine generators (WTG), their foundations, array cables and a single offshore substation. The WTGs will be constructed within an area of 72km2 off the English Channel. Some 13km off the coastline, located approximately 7 nautical miles (nm) off the Sussex coastline on the south of England.

1.1.4 Connections will be made between the offshore wind farm and the National Grid transmission system through buried offshore and onshore export cables and a new electricity substation (onshore) constructed for the Project adjacent to the existing national grid substation at Bolney in in Mid Sussex.

1.2 This document

1.2.1 The document presents an overview of the planned activities; the reason for the application of safety zones during the construction phase, a summary of the shipping activities and vessels in the area, as well as the planned monitoring and policing procedures for the planned safety zones.

1.2.2 The document has been prepared in accordance with the appropriate guidelines, and publicised as required in parallel to ROW’s Application to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.


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APPLICATION FOR SAFETY ZONES

1.2.3 ROW is applying for Safety Zones around each offshore WTG and the offshore substation during the construction of the structures, and during exceptional or major maintenance activities, in order to ensure the safety of the wind farm infrastructure, individuals working therein, construction vessels, and other vessels navigating in the area whilst work takes place.

1.2.4 During construction, ROW are seeking Safety Zones of 500 metre radius around each monopile foundation, WTG, jacket foundation and the offshore substation whilst construction is undertaken, as clearly indicated by the presence of construction vessels.

1.2.5 During the construction phase, several installation activities may take place simultaneously. Consequently, safety zones are sought for each of these activities as they take place within the wind farm site.

1.2.6 Prior to commissioning, a 50 metre radius safety zone is sought around each WTG, offshore substation and their associated foundations structures whether whist they are installed, either completely or incompletely but awaiting commissioning.


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LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT

1.3 Safety Zone Statement

1.3.1 ROW submitted a Safety Zone Statement as part of the Application for development consents submitted to the Secretary of State for the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm in March 2013, pursuant to Regulation 6(1)(b)(ii) of the Infrastructure Planning (Applications: Prescribed forms and procedure regulations 2009, indicating ROW’s intention to apply for Safety Zones prior to the offshore construction of the Project.

1.4 Relevant legislation pursuant to this application

1.4.1 This Application is being made under Section 95 and Schedule 16 of the Energy Act 2004, which sets out the process for applying to the Secretary of State for a safety zones to be established around an Offshore Renewable Energy Installation (OREI).

1.4.2 The Electricity (Offshore Generating Stations) (Safety Zones) (Applications Procedures and Control of Access) Regulations 2007 (SI No 2007/1948) were introduced in August 2007, clarifying the process for applying for a safety zone and advertising such applications.

1.4.3 The following policies, guidance notes and recommendations have also been applied in relation to the application:

DECC Guidance notes, Nov 2011 - Applying for Safety Zones around offshore renewable energy installations;

Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 371 – Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREIs) - Guidance on UK Navigational Practice, Safety and Emergency Response Issues;

MCA MGN 372 – Offshore Renewable Energy Installations Guidance to Mariners Operating in the Vicinity of UK OREIs;

IALA Recommendation O-139 - Marking Man-Made Offshore Structures (Ed. 2 Dec 2013); and

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Air Navigation Order and Regulations, Part 28 Lights and Lighting, Article 220


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PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1.5 Overview of the Offshore Site and Location

1.5.1 The Rampion Offshore Wind Farm will have a capacity of 400MW and will consist of 116 Vestas V112 3.45MW WTG, a single twin circuit 33kV to 150kV substation and associated array cables. The Project will be constructed within an area of 72km2 of the English Channel, some 13km off the Sussex coast.

1.5.2 Connection will be made between the offshore wind farm and the National Grid transmission system through buried offshore and onshore export cables and connecting to a new electricity substation adjacent to the existing National Grid substation at Bolney in Mid Sussex.

Figure 1 – Rampion Offshore Wind farm WTG Array, offshore substation and indicative cable layout

4.1.3 The co-ordinates for the locations of the WTGs in Figure 1 are presented in Appendix 1. The indicative distances between the turbines are shown in Appendix 2.


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4.1.4 Each WTG will be mounted on a monopile foundation, with a separate transition piece that will form the supporting structure between the foundation and the turbine tower. Scour protection may be placed around some foundation locations prior to construction, or once the transition piece has been affixed.

4.1.5 The electricity produced by the wind turbines will be transmitted through 33kV subsea array cables to an offshore substation, mounted on a jacket foundation. The offshore substation will step up the voltage it receives from the turbines to 150 kV.

4.1.6 Two export cables connect to a landfall at Worthing, where they will be brought ashore by Horizontal Directional Drilling under the beach and A259 to surface at the Par 3 golf course at Brooklands Pleasure Park.

1.6 Proposed Safety Zone Locations

1.6.1 As described in Section 2, ROW is applying for standard 500m safety zones to be applied around the foundations, WTGs and the offshore substation during construction.

1.6.2 Figure 2 (below) shows an example of a single 500m Safety Zone around the Offshore Substation; Figure 3 depicts the cumulative application of 500m Safety Zones around each of the WTGs and Offshore substation. It is extremely unlikely that 500m Safety Zones would be applied across the entire site at any given time, however the figure demonstrates how these Safety Zones may interact across the site.


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Figure 2 - Rampion Offshore Wind Farm application of a single 500m Safety Zone


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Figure 3 - ROW Array layout and Substation depicting cumulative 500m Safety Zones


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1.7 Main Project Components

Monopile Foundations

1.7.1 Each WTG will be mounted on a monopile foundation, with a separate transition piece that will form the supporting structure between the foundation and the turbine tower. Scour protection may be placed around some of the foundations prior to installation or once the transition piece is in place.

1.7.2 The monopiles will be driven or drilled into the seabed and the transition piece bolted and grouted to the monopile. Detailed installation details for the monopile foundations are provided in Appendix 3.

1.7.3 Installation of the monopile foundations is expected to commence predominantly in the north western area of the site and progress to the deeper southern and eastern areas. The installation sequence has been developed in order to maintain maximum flexibility throughout the programme in order to minimise the delay impact as a result of unforeseen weather conditions, vessel breakdown or pile refusal requiring drilling. The monopile foundations will be shipped directly from the Port of Vlissingen, Holland. They will be transported (in sets of 3 or 4 monopiles and 3 or 4 TPs per loadout, dependent on the vessel used) directly to the installation site.

Wind Turbine Generators

1.7.4 The Rampion Offshore Wind farm will consist of 116 Vestas 3.45MW WTGs with the following specification:

Turbine

Size

Max hub height

(above MHWS)

Max hub height

(above LAT)

Max rotor

diameter

Max height

(above MHWS)

3.45MW 84.82m 85.32m 112m 140.82m

Table 1: WTG specification

1.7.5 Each WTG has three blades attached to a nacelle housing the generator, gearbox and other operating equipment. The unit cast resin transformer will also be located in the nacelle.

1.7.6 The nacelle and hub have dimensions in the order of 17m x 5m x 8m. The total weight of both the nacelle and the hub area total approximately 170 tonnes. The blades are 55 metres long and weigh 12.3 tonnes each. The Tower sections themselves make up the bulk of the approximate 178 tonne complete weight.

1.7.7 The WTG and foundation schematic diagram in Figure 4 below shows the dimensions, depicting above and below water level (provided for illustration purposes).


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Any reference to height or depth is with respect to

lowest astronomical tide.

Blade tip (highest) 141.32

Hub 85.32

Tower top 83.12

Blade tip (lowest) 29.32

Blade tip to MHWS 22.86

Interface 18.52

HAT 7.36

MHWS 5.02

MSL 3.48

LAT 0.00

Figure 4 - ROW WTG and foundation schematic diagram depicting above and below water level

1.7.8 The installation of the wind turbines for the offshore wind farm will be performed by the same, or similar jack-up vessel as used for the foundation installation. The final installation process will depend on the capability of the selected installation vessel.

Offshore Substation

1.7.9 The offshore substation will consist of a topside structure with integral cable deck; supported on a jacket foundation. The base design of the jacket foundation is a four-legged steel jacket with skirt piles grouted into pile sleeves, with the following characteristics:


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Jacket Foundation Characteristics

Max. Width 22.5 m (excluding pile sleeves)

Max. Length 18 m (excluding pile sleeves)

Height 41.7 m

Net weight approximately 824T (excl. contingency)

Principal dimensions of the piles are (approx.)

Max. Diameter 2200 mm

Max. Thickness 50 mm

Length up to 40m

Net weight Pile approximately 90T (excl. contingency)

Table 2: Offshore Substation Specification

1.7.10 The jacket foundation and topsides for the offshore substation will be transported from Scotland.

1.7.11 The substation foundation will be loaded on to the installation vessel and transported direct to site for installation with driven piles. In a separate operation the topside will be loaded to a vessel, transported to site and lifted on to the foundation for fixing, cable pull through and terminations. The substation will be energised and following this each WTG in turn.

1.7.12 The substation will be installed in two phases by the same installation contractor using the same installation vessel.


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CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME AND PHASING OF INSTALLATION

1.8 Construction Programme

1.8.1 The key construction dates and durations are summarised below:

Key Construction Activities Start Date Finish Date

Onshore Construction August 2015 August 2017

Site Preparation Works August 2015 January 2016

Monopile Foundation Installation January 2016 December 2016

Array Cable Installation July 2016 October 2017

Offshore Substation Foundation and Topside Installation September 2016 March 2017

WTG Installation December 2016 February 2018

WTG Commissioning and Take-Over (COD) March 2018

Table 3 - ROW Construction Activities and Key Dates

1.9 Installation phasing

1.9.1 The offshore foundation installation programme is planned to commence on 16th January 2016. The piling operation activities are constrained by environmental limitations restricting piling operations to two (2) periods throughout the year. This dictates the requirement for two installation vessels to enable completion primarily in 2016, with the option to extend.

Campaign Period Operational

Window Installation vessels

utilised

1 16th Jan until 14th

April 2016 1

(MPI Discovery)

2 1st Jul until 19th

Nov 2016

2 (MPI Discovery and

SBO Pacific Orca)

3 (if required) 16th Jan until completion

1 (MPI Discovery or SBO Pacific Orca)

Table 4: Proposed timings of installations of Monopile foundations

1.9.2 All the time periods indicated above are provisional and subject to change based on environmental restrictions, progress offshore and opportunities to maximise vessel utilisation and efficiency.


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1.9.3 The installation sequence of structures across the Wind Farm area will be predominantly determined by water depth, ground conditions, pile weight, vessel capability and inter array cable installation programme.

1.9.4 Installation of the monopile foundations is expected to commence predominantly in the north western area of the site and progress to the deeper southern and eastern areas;

1.9.5 The installation sequence has been developed in order to maintain maximum flexibility throughout the programme in order to minimise the delay impact as a result of unforeseen weather conditions, vessel breakdown or pile refusal requiring drilling.

1.9.6 Details of the proposed installation sequence are set out in Appendix 4.


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AIDS TO NAVIGATION

1.10 Requirements

1.10.1 In accordance with the Deemed Marine Licence – Array (Schedule 13), ROW has been consulting with Trinity House and the MCA with regards to the lighting, marking, sounds, signals and Aids to Navigation required to be undertaken during the construction and operation of the Rampion Offshore Wind farm.

1.10.2 Full details of the agreed approach to Site markings are included in the site Markings Plan (Appendix 5).

1.10.3 This section outlines the proposed Aids to Navigation which will be deployed, as agreed with Trinity House and MCA.

1.11 Aids to Navigation during construction

1.11.1 During the construction and decommissioning of an offshore wind farm, working areas will be established and marked in accordance with the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Maritime Buoyage System.

1.11.2 Trinity House has advised that temporary marking shall be applied in the form of Cardinal Markers.

Cardinal Buoys

1.11.3 A cardinal mark is a sea mark (a buoy or other floating or fixed structure) used in maritime pilotage to indicate the position of a hazard and the direction of safe water. Cardinal marks indicate the direction of safety as a cardinal (compass) direction (north, east, south or west) relative to the mark.

1.11.4 The table below sets out the location and signature of cardinal markers to be deployed at the Rampion Site, both during construction and as permanent markings, in accordance with Trinity House requirements.

Cardinal Name Light

Signature UTMN31N

Easting UTM31N Northing

Construction / Permanent

North 1 Q 686113.81

8 5618618.601 Construction

North 2 V Q 691723.21


North 3 Q 697335.62



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Table 5 – ROW Cardinal Buoys Identification Table

1.11.5 The above markers shall all have a range of 5 nautical miles and meet the following IALA Availability standards:

• Position – Category 2 (not less than 99%) • Light – Category 2 (not less than 99%) • Daymark – Category 3 (not less than 97%) • Topmark – Category 3 (not less than 97%)

1.11.6 The locations relative to the site can be seen in Figure 9.1 of Appendix 5.

Construction Marking

1 . 1 1 . 7 During construction of the WTG foundations the periphery foundations will be lit by a single solar powered light. The marking signature will be the same as the operational Intermediate Structures (as described in Appendix 5).

1.11.8 Initially, each foundation will have a temporary light installed which may subsequently be moved (depending on their location) as the site develops to light the periphery locations.

East 1 Q (3) 10s 698602.42


South 1 Q (6) + L Fl

15s

698670.026

5614989.373 Construction

South 2 V Q (6) + L Fl

0s

693087.500


South 3 Q (6) + L Fl

15s

687507.638


West 1 Q (9) + 15s 686206.18


North X Fl Y 5s 692071.91

1 5619604.146 Permanent

South X Fl Y 5s 692136.84

4 5613598.806 Permanent

Upon handover from Construction to Operations 2 marker buoys will be situated as follows:

North X Fl Y 5s 692071.91

1 5619604.146

Permanent

South X Fl Y 5s 692136.84

4 5613598.806

Permanent


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1.11.9 The navigation lights will be positioned to ensure a 360o degree visibility and set at approximately the same height as the permanent navigation lights.

1.11.10 All the lights shall be exhibited at least at night and when the visibility is reduced to 2nm or less. Fog signals shall be sounded at least when the visibility is 2nm or less.

1.12 Aids to Navigation during operation

1.12.1 The operational Project will be marked with Aids to Navigation in accordance with

Trinity House requirements, which will comply with IALA standards on the Marking of Offshore Wind Farms (Ref. v) O-139 and the additional requirements of MCA MGN 371.

1.12.2 The proposed location of ROW Aids to Navigation are shown below:

Figure 5: Proposed Aids to Navigation

1.12.3 In accordance with the requirements of Trinity House, the periphery structures will be classed as either ‘significant peripheral structures (SP’ or ‘intermediate structures (IS)’, depending on their location.


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1.12.4 In addition, construction and permanent cardinal buoys will be put in place in accordance with the requirements of Trinity House as set out in Table 5.

1.12.5 Seven (7) foghorns (hazard warnings) will be mounted around the periphery of the site as directed by Trinity House.

1.12.6 For details on which foundation has which flashing signature and lighting signatures, derived from IALA Recommendation O-139 Marking Man-Made Offshore Structures Section 2.3 “Marking of Offshore Wind farms”. For specific details on which foundation has which flashing signature please refer to Appendix 5.

Aviation Markings

1.12.7 In accordance with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements, all WTGs on the periphery of the site shall be marked with 2 medium intensity red lights flashing Morse “W” sequence as close as possible to the top of the fixed structure, at a height of approximately 90m above LAT.

‘For aviation purposes, OREI structures should be marked with hazard warning lighting in accordance with CAA guidance and also with unique identification numbers (with illumination controlled from the site control centre and activated ‘as required’) on the upper works of the OREI structure so that aircraft can identify each installation from a height of 500 feet (150 metres) above the highest part of the OREI structure; MCA OREI Guidance Note MGN 371.

1.12.8 Details of the WTGs displaying Aviation lights are detailed within Appendix X. The

lighting shall be in accordance with the requirements detailed within the CAA’s Air Navigation Order 2009 Article 220 and has been confirmed as suitable by the CAA.

1.12.9 Due to the location of the offshore substation the CAA have requested that a single Aviation light will be displayed at the highest point possible; this will be at approximately +29m above Highest Astronomical tide (HAT).

1.12.10 The Aviation light’s shall have a Morse ‘W’ flashing sequence in line with ongoing discussions between the CAA and Trinity House to establish a clear distinction between navigation and aviation markings. On the WTG’s 2 marking lights shall be situated at a height of approximately +80m from HAT.

1.12.11 Lights to have reduced intensity at and below the horizontal and allow a further reduction in lighting intensity when the visibility in all directions from every wind turbine is more than 5km.


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Foundation Colour markings

1.12.12 The Deemed Marine Licence – Array (Schedule 13 of the Order) contains the following Condition:

8(1) – The Undertaker shall colour all structures yellow for at least highest astronomical tide to a height directed by Trinity House, or shall colour as directed by Trinity House from time to time.

1.12.13 IALA Recommendation O-139 Marking Man-Made Offshore Structures Section 2.3

“Marking of Offshore Wind farms” also states that ”The structures should be painted yellow all around from the level of HAT up to 15 metres”.

1.12.14 The diagram below depicts the paint levels as derived from IALA Recommendation

O-139 Marking Man-Made Offshore Structures section 2.3 “Marking of Offshore Wind farms” and have been approved by Trinity House.

Figure 6 –Aids to Navigation heights and painting levels relative to HAT


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WTG Colour Markings 1.12.15 The WTG’s shall be painted RAL 7035, in accordance the Deemed Marince Licence -

Array (Condition 8(2)), and the blades have the blade markings (shown in figure 11.1 of Appendix 5) in accordance with ongoing discussions with the MCA.

1.12.16 The blade tip consists of a 100mm copper tip. During service the 100mm copper tip area will become discoloured, by painting the tip end 700mm ensures a minimum of 600mm coverage is achieved throughout service.

1.12.17 The MCA OREI Guidance Note MGN 371 states:

“Wind Turbine Generators (WTG) shall have high contrast markings (dots or stripes) placed at 10 metre intervals on both sides of the blades to provide SAR helicopter pilots with a hover-reference point.”

WTG Identification and Markings

1.12.18 In accordance with the MCAs guidance note for OREI MGN 371, each WTG will be marked with clearly visible unique identification characters which can be seen by both vessels at sea level and aircraft (helicopters and other fixed wing aircrafts) from above.

1.12.19 The identification markings will be placed on the top of the nacelle and on three illuminated ID signs on the transition piece platform railings, positioned to ensure visibility of 360o degrees around the WTG platforms. The lettering will be 1m high, and will be lit by 2 LED lights.

1.12.20 The identification markings will include Rampion identifier abbreviation and the turbine ID, consisting of one letter and two figures.

1.12.21 The ID number of each turbine shall follow the rows and columns and be of the following format:

Figure 7 – ROW WTG ID markings


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Offshore Substation Markings

1.12.22 The offshore substation shall have no aids to navigation or foghorns due to its location within the site. Though the structure will have sign boards visible from 360o degrees and will be illuminated via similar lights to the WTG foundation. Due to its location it will have a flashing Morse ‘W’ aviation light mounted at its highest point approx. 36m above LAT.


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NAVIGATION RISK ASSESSMENT

1.12.23 The Environmental Statement (ES) for the Rampion Project submitted to the Secretary of State in support of the application for Development Consent assesses the impacts to Navigation and Shipping arising from the construction and operation of the Project. As part of the assessment, a Navigational Risk Assessment (NRA) was undertaken, assessing the vessel activity and navigational features within the vicinity of the Rampion site, and the potential impacts of the proposed Offshore Project on shipping and navigation in relation to commercial, recreational and fishing vessels.

1.12.24 The primary guidance documents used in preparing the NRA for the ES were:

Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Marine Guidance Notice 371 (MGN 371 M+F) Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREIs) Guidance on UK Navigational Practice, Safety and Emergency Response Issues (2008); and

Department for Environment and Climate Change (DECC) in Association with MCA Guidance on the Assessment of Offshore Wind Farms ‐ Methodology for Assessing Marine Navigational Safety Risks of Offshore Wind Farms (2005).

1.12.25 The NRA identified the following mitigation measures, these mitigation measures

will be employed during the construction and operation of the Rampion Project:

Development and implementation of an Emergency Response Cooperation Plan (ERCoP);

Use of Safety Zones (during the construction phase);

Ensuring that vessels are ‘fit for purpose’;

Promulgation of information including Notices to Mariners and Chart updates;

Effective works and vessel management;

Aids to Navigation as per Trinity House requirements;

Marine Coordination of vessels and activities;

Air draught clearance between vessel masts and WTG blades;

Compliance with MGN 371; and

Ongoing consultation and information promulgation with key navigational stakeholders.

1.12.26 The Navigational Risk Assessment undertaken for the Rampion project is appended

to this document at Appendix 6.


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VESSEL TRAFFIC SURVEY

1.12.27 A Vessel Traffic Survey (VTS) for the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm was undertaken in accordance with the requirements of MGN 371. The survey was carried out over two 14 day survey periods, in order to collect data on vessel movements in the area during the winter and summer, as well as to cover tidal variations.

1.12.28 The AIS and radar data were recorded from Shoreham during the following survey periods; 17th to 31st January and 16th to 30th July 2011.

1.12.29 Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a system by which ships automatically send data concerning their position, Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI), etc., on two individual Very High Frequency (VHF) channels to the shore and other vessels at very frequent intervals

1.12.30 AIS data is available and AIS reports are produced in accordance with, Regulation 19 of Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter V ‐ Carriage requirements for ship‐borne navigational systems and equipment ‐ sets out navigational equipment to be carried on board ships according to ship type. In 2000, IMO adopted a new requirement (as part of a revised new chapter V) for ships to carry AIS.

1.12.31 Further to the VTS, additional AIS vessel data has been gathered from Shoreham Port since January 2014.

1.12.32 Details of the VTS for the Project, and subsequent AIS vessel data collected is included at Appendix 7.


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IMPLEMENTATION OF SAFETY ZONES

1.12.33 It is proposed that Safety Zones would be implemented at the Rampion site during construction from the commencement of construction in January 2016.

1.12.34 ROW will adopt all Standard Safety Zone Provisions, as shown in Table 6 below:

During Construction 500m safety zones around the active construction work; the location of each turbine, substation or their foundations whilst work is being carried out, and as indicated by the presence of construction vessels;

50m safety zones around partially or fully completed structures prior to

wind farm commissioning; ie Safety Zone surrounding each foundation, turbine or substation whilst work is not being carried out.

During Operation and Maintenance

500m safety zone around the site of major or exceptional maintenance works; to include - wind turbines, wind turbine foundation structures or offshore substation platforms (major maintenance is defined as any activity involving the large vessels (ie Jack-Up barge, floating barge, heavy lift vessel, DP/anchorage cable lay barge etc.)) ;

During Decommissioning It is anticipated that an application for safety zones would not include any specific provisions for the decommissioning phase. Rather, it is expected that the need for safety zones at that stage would be subject to appropriate risk assessments and consultation with the statutory authorities. A separate application would be made prior to decommissioning where necessary.

Table 6: Safety Zone Provisions

MANGEMENT AND MONITORING OF SAFETY ZONES

1.13 Marine Co-Ordination

1.13.1 A Marine coordinator has appointed by ROW, who is responsible for managing and maintaining a robust communication watch keeping.

1.13.2 The Marine Coordinator will monitor and archive all project vessel movements by means of an AIS tracking system and ensure all safety zones and advisory exclusion zones are adhered to by means of a Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS).

1.13.3 All project vessels will maintain a lookout for non-project related vessels utilising the vessels AIS and radar systems. No unauthorised contractors (vessel or personnel) shall be permitted to gain entry to any prescribed safety zones within the wind farm without prior consent from the Marine Coordinator.

1.13.4 Any infringement in respect of commercial and leisure mariners any which interferes with construction operations will result in appropriate action which


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must be taken by the Vessel Master, taking into account relevant IMO guidelines , ensuring that a record is made of the date, time, vessel name and home port. Details must be reported to the Marine Co-ordinator, who has a duty to report the issue to the Navigational Safety Branch of the MCA.

1.14 Notices to Mariners

1.14.1 The Marine Co-ordinator will issue a weekly Notice of Operations, which will describe the operations covered during the past week and the proposed operations for the following week.

1.15 ROW Exclusion Zones

1.15.1 In addition to the Safety Zones described in this document, ROW is proposing to establish exclusion zones for each construction vessel. These zones will exclude all vessels except those directly involved in the construction activities from entering the zone.

1.15.2 Construction vessel movements, including feeder vessel or transport barges through the windfarm, must be carefully planned and proposed such that there is no interaction or conflict with any other construction vessel, Safety Zone or foundation/Substation/WTG. Each of the Contractors safety exclusion zones must take into account anchor positions.

1.15.3 Once an exclusion zone is established permission will be given by the Master of the construction vessel before any of the support / spread vessels can enter. Once a support /spread vessel has entered an exclusion zone the Marine Coordinator will no longer have responsibility of their movements, the responsibility being passed to the Master of that construction vessel.

1.15.4 The contractor will prepare a written plan that clearly states how control of the vessel, inside the exclusion zone, will be assured and who has responsibility for it. The plan will require approval from the marine coordinator before it is used.

1.15.5 If for any reason a vessel, not directly involved with the construction activities, wishes to enter the exclusion zone, contact must be first made with the duty marine coordinator, who will then request permission from the Construction Vessel Master. Contact must then be made between the construction vessel and that of requesting vessel master who will then discuss their vessel movements inside the exclusion zone.


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1.16 ROW Marine Co-ordination Reporting Process

1.16.1 The Marine Co-ordinator shall maintain an accurate record of the positions of all construction vessels and their associated safety exclusion zones and ensure that there will be no overlapping of respective safety avoidance zones at any time.

1.16.2 An AIS system will be employed to track vessels in and around the wind farm and will record movement history. All vessels shall have an AIS class A transponder. The Custom AIS system is capable of specifying vessel exclusion/Safety zones and flagging interaction of vessels with a vessel safety avoidance zone.

REPORT DESCRIPTION

ISSUED BY DEADLINE / FREQUENCY

ISSUED TO

Marine Coordinators 5-day look ahead report

Marine Coordinator

Daily - Each respective contractors work co-ordinator - Site Personnel - ROW Management - Harbour Master

Marine Coordinators daily report

Marine Coordinator

Daily - Each respective Contractors work coordinator - Site Personnel - ROW Management - Port of Newhaven - Harbour Master

ROW Weekly Notice of Operations (NtM)

Marine Coordinator

Weekly - Weekly notice of operations - Vessel movements - Intended Vessel movements

Table 7 Reporting mechanisms for ROW Marine Coordinator

1.17 Guard Vessels

1.17.1 ROW is considering the opportunity for a Guard vessel to be deployed. It is proposed that local fishermen may be employed to provide a scout/guard boat, in particular in relation to the Export cable installation, but also during other phases of the project. This vessel will carry the Offshore Fisheries liaison officers, and will review the entire site during construction activities. In the event that non-project related traffic enters the area, the Guard vessel may be deployed to the area to liaise with the master of that vessel.

1.18 Safety Management Systems

1.18.1 From a navigation risk perspective, monitoring will take place through the project’s Safety Management System (SMS). The SMS will include an incident/accident reporting system which will allow incidents and near misses to be recorded and reviewed in order to monitor the effectiveness of the risk control measures in place at the site.


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1.18.2 In addition to this any information gleaned from near misses/accidents at other offshore wind farm sites will be considered with respect to the control measures applied at the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm.

1.18.3 During maintenance, there will be regular vessels operating in the site which can monitor any third party vessel activity, both visually and on radar, although this will not be their primary function.


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APPENDIX 1: ROW DEVELOPMENT COORDINATES

Rampion Offshore Wind Farm WTG & substation co-ordinates

WTG WGS 1984 UTM 30N WTG WGS 1984 UTM 30N

Easting Northing Easting Northing

B07 694649.9400 5620364.9600 I02 687111.3700 5617340.6600

B08 695358.4200 5620153.8000 I03 687848.8700 5617148.8400

B09 696090.6800 5619963.9500 I04 688570.6300 5616970.0300

B10 696840.3300 5619793.6000 I05 689302.4200 5616784.5600

C07 694078.4300 5619779.7800 I06 690034.8000 5616595.4500

C08 694806.6900 5619590.1900 I07 690768.2100 5616413.2600

C09 695543.6000 5619400.4000 I08 691499.9600 5616220.2200

C10 696271.9400 5619219.6200 I09 692246.6100 5616043.2800

C11 697007.4600 5619030.1300 I11 693707.0100 5615668.6800

C12 697735.6500 5618837.1700 I12 694429.4200 5615466.4300

Offshore Substation (D07)

693528.8100 5619228.9200 I13 695162.0000 5615279.5000

D08 694240.1700 5619013.5100 I14 695902.2500 5615090.6000

D09 694987.5000 5618835.9100 I15 696627.4800 5614910.1600

D10 695708.6800 5618638.6200 J02 686556.8000 5616781.5300

D11 696469.0500 5618464.5600 J03 687290.1800 5616591.4200

D12 697185.7700 5618283.8600 J04 688040.5800 5616431.8700

D13 697917.0300 5618089.8400 J05 688759.5500 5616228.9400

E07 692975.5400 5618650.4000 J06 689484.8200 5616033.6100

E08 693704.9900 5618470.4800 J07 690217.3500 5615843.4400

E09 694449.8100 5618297.2700 J08 690951.0200 5615659.7900

E10 695151.4300 5618102.5900 J09 691682.3000 5615466.9800

E12 696626.4200 5617705.0500 J10 692412.7300 5615279.5400

E13 697370.6100 5617528.6900 J11 693146.7600 5615091.0000

E14 698091.6400 5617341.0600 J12 693873.3400 5614909.4900

F03 689487.9900 5618842.1600 J13 694626.5100 5614733.8200

F04 690223.8300 5618655.0800 J14 695344.1600 5614529.6200

F05 690957.1300 5618470.0500 K03 686738.1900 5616031.1100

F06 691685.7100 5618273.8200 K04 687468.1700 5615836.1000

F09 693886.6400 5617719.0900 K05 688191.0600 5615654.5600

F10 694617.7100 5617526.8400 K06 688934.1200 5615475.4700

F11 695336.8100 5617323.8500 K07 689675.3400 5615276.1400

F12 696085.8400 5617159.7700 K08 690391.1100 5615087.0700

F13 696801.0700 5616968.4500 K09 691130.7300 5614909.5600

F14 697531.8800 5616760.9400 K10 691840.5100 5614695.0300

F15 698280.5700 5616590.2100 K11 692598.5700 5614529.6900

G02 688231.2100 5618497.4000 K12 693326.0700 5614347.6600

G03 688930.7400 5618270.1300 K13 694061.9300 5614159.7700


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G04 689678.4200 5618090.1700 L04 686918.0000 5615280.0300

G05 690404.6500 5617902.8900 L05 687658.7800 5615093.7100

G06 691137.5400 5617724.5800 L06 688368.9900 5614896.4000

G10 694064.3700 5616967.0100 L07 689115.0000 5614720.2900

G11 694775.4500 5616749.7700 L08 689847.8100 5614529.6600

G13 696284.5700 5616440.4500 L09 690578.1900 5614339.7900

G14 696993.6400 5616219.5000 L10 691312.0800 5614160.3000

G15 697727.9800 5616030.3900 M06 687848.5800 5614357.8600

H01 686925.2400 5618089.6600 M07 688563.7400 5614160.8300

H02 687646.3100 5617893.4800 M08 689296.4600 5613966.8400

H03 688390.0400 5617723.2600 M09 690030.5800 5613775.4200

H04 689122.1900 5617533.0600 M10 690766.4800 5613599.7700

H05 689858.4000 5617347.9400 N06 687282.0700 5613779.4200

H06 690586.8300 5617162.7700 N08 688749.7200 5613408.9000

H07 691317.9700 5616973.6300 N09 689473.5100 5613216.2100

H08 692050.7600 5616776.2200 N10 690211.2700 5613036.8300

H11 694244.7100 5616218.9300 O09 688926.6300 5612660.5100

H12 694980.3500 5616029.8800 O07 687462.0597 5613032.1392

H13 695712.7000 5615842.6700 A08 695908.2921 5620714.9264

H14 696449.4000 5615659.7000 A09 696641.0863 5620527.7601

H15 697178.9000 5615472.9600 Met Mast 687658.0000 5618510.0000

I01 686377.1400 5617529.5400 A10 697381.5033 5620339.9233


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APPENDIX 2: INDICATIVE DISTANCES BETWEEN TURBINES


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APPENDIX 3: FOUNDATION INSTALLATION METHOD

The monopiles and transition pieces will be loaded and sea-fastened onto the installation

vessel (MPI Discovery and SBO Pacific Orca) from a quayside at the Port of Vlissingen,

Holland. They will be transported (in sets of 3 or 4 monopiles and 3 or 4 transition pieces

per loadout dependent on vessel used) directly to the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm site for

installation. See figure 1 for proposed deck layout for the MPI Discovery.

Figure 1: Proposed Deck Layout, 3 monopiles and transition pieces

Upon arrival at the first foundation installation position, the sequence of works is as follows:

Monopile Installation

1. The installation vessel (loaded with monopiles) is positioned over reference target at pre-defined orientation. Vessel is jacked up to working height.

2. The monopile gripper is deployed to the horizontal position.

3. The gripper arms are extended at their mid-stroke position and are kept opened.

4. The monopile sea-fastenings are removed and the monopile is upended from horizontal to vertical using installation vessel upending devices (main crane and deck tools).


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5. The crane lifts and moves the monopile to a pre-calculated crane radius.

6. The crane slews until the centre of monopile meets the centre line of gripper arms. This operation is done manually/visually guided by instructions from staff positioned at the vessel stern.

7. The pile is lowered through the open monopile gripper. The monopile is kept out of the water until the pile positioning / orientation is verified. See figure 3.

8. The pile gripper arms are closed around the pile to restrain and guide it laterally.


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Figure 2 - Monopile Installation

9. Pile inclination is verified (by surveyors onboard the vessel) and adjusted by the crane if necessary to bring the pile to the ‘true vertical’ position.


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10. The pile is lowered into seabed while it is being guided by the gripper. Self-weight of monopile penetrates seabed.

11. The main crane is unlatched from the monopile (via monopile upending and lifting tool).

12. The gripper guides and maintains the monopile vertically. The inclination of the monopile is adjusted by the gripper arms as necessary.

13. The main crane installs the driving hammer on to the monopile top. Piling operations commence initially with the soft start procedure.

14. Monopile inclination is frequently verified (by surveyors and by utilising an inclinometer onboard the hammer) before and between the hammering operations (hammer blows). The inclination of the monopile is adjusted by the gripper arms if necessary to maintain its ‘true vertical’ position.

15. The monopile is driven to the predetermined depth where the monopile can hold itself vertically without the assistance of the gripper. The gripper arms are opened when necessary to allow clearance for the pile hammer.

16. The monopile is driven to the target depth.

17. The hammer is recovered to the vessel deck.

18. The gripper is retracted and raised prior to the "Transition Piece" installation.

Transition Piece Installation

1. Following installation of the monopile, the transition piece is lifted and set onto the

monopile.

2. A gangway is placed between the vessel stern and the transition piece.

3. Personnel transfer onto the transition piece to check the transition piece to

monopile flange alignment and to assist in making adjustments as necessary.

4. Several temporary installation works are completed to ensure safety of personnel.

5. Hydraulic bolt tightening equipment is utilised to tighten studs/nuts in several

tightening phases. The studs/nuts are stored inside the transition piece prior to its

installation upon the monopile.

6. The main crane is de-rigged from the transition piece and the lifting lugs are

returned to the vessel.

7. The grout hose is connected to the grout inlet at the transition piece platform and

the crew prepare the equipment for commencement of grouting operations.

8. 28m3 of grout is pumped into the base of the annulus whilst the bolt tightening is

being completed in a pre-defined sequence.


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9. The grout fills the annulus and displaces the seawater to a via the exit/ breather near

the top of the transition piece.

10. A small volume of grout will overflow into the centre of the monopile so that grout

density can be visually inspected.

11. The crane is rigged to the j-tube lifting device, the stoppers are released, and the j-

tubes are lowered into their intended position and bolted in place. Other small

temporary equipment will be installed on the transition piece to assist with cables

installation.

12. The tools and other equipment are then removed, and a tent-like cover is installed

over the transition piece, to protect the exposed flange until the wind turbine is later

installed.

13. The personnel transfer onto the installation vessel and the gangway is removed.

14. The vessel jacks down and departs for the next installation.

Important note: The grout seal is carefully inspected prior to load-out of each transition

piece. If it is suspected that it has become damaged during the transition piece installation

upon the monopile then the transition piece will be recovered to the vessel where the grout

seal can be inspected and replaced if necessary.

The installation duration for a single monopile and transition piece, from jack-up to jack-

down, is estimated to be approximately 24 hours plus any time required for waiting on

suitable weather conditions.

Drilling Procedures

In the event that the monopile is not able to be installed by driving then it will be drilled as a

separate operation. In the event that a location is to be drilled the installation sequence

comprises the following key stages:

1. Vessel jacks up and preparation including release of required seafastenings;

2. Drill and auxiliary equipment is prepared, located onto pile top flange and tripped in

to mud line (up to 300te lift, item 1 in table above);

3. Drilling operation to toe of pile or under-ream;

4. Drill is tripped out, removed and placed on vessel deck;

5. If the drilling vessel is also equipped with a hammer then piling activities 13 to 18

described above will be carried out. If a separate vessel is required then the activities

1 to 2 and then 8 to 18 are completed.


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APPENDIX 4: PROPOSED INSTALLATION SEQUENCE

Rampion Offshore Windfarm - Foundation Installations and Vessel Allocation (Rev04) as 20/10/2015

Cycle Inst. Order WTG ID Vessel Vessel

1 2 G04 ●

1 3 H04 ●

2 1 I04 ●

2 2 J04 ●

2 3 J03 ●

3 1 I03 ●

3 2 H03 ●

3 3 H02 ●

4 1 I01 ●

4 2 F05 ●

4 3 L05 ●

5 1 M06 ●

5 2 N06 ●

5 3 L06 ●

6 1 M07 ●

6 2 M08 ●

6 3 L07 ●

7 1 I05 ●

7 2 G05 ●

7 3 H05 ●

8 1 G03 ●

8 2 G02 ●

8 3 H01 ●

9 1 N08 ●

9 2 F04 ●

9 3 K09 ●

10 1 L04 ●

10 2 I02 ●

10 3 K04 ●

11 1 J05 ●

11 2 K06 ●

11 3 C07 ●

12 1 I06 ●

12 2 N09 ●

12 3 L10 ●

13 1 L08 ●

13 2 M09 ●

13 3 K07 ●

14 1 I07 ●


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14 2 G10 ●

14 3 J07 ●

15 1 G06 ●

15 2 F10 ●

15 3 I09 ●

16 1 E07 ●

16 2 D10 ●

16 3 F11 ●

17 1 F12 ●

17 2 E08 ●

17 3 D08 ●

18 1 B09 ●

18 2 B10 ●

18 3 A09 ●

19 1 F14 ●

19 2 D09 ●

19 3 G15 ●

20 1 E13 ●

20 2 D11 ●

20 3 A08 ●

O-1 1 F03 ●

O-1 2 H06 ●

O-1 3 J06 ●

O-1 4 K05 ●

O-2 1 K03 ●

O-2 2 O07 ●

O-2 3 O09 ●

O-2 4 J08 ●

O-3 1 L09 ●

O-3 2 M10 ●

O-3 3 N10 ●

O-3 4 J09 ●

O-4 1 I08 ●

O-4 2 K08 ●

O-4 3 J11 ●

O-4 4 K11 ●

O-5 1 J10 ●

O-5 2 H07 ●

O-5 3 F06 ●

O-5 4 C08 ●

O-6 1 K12 ●

O-6 2 D13 ●

O-6 3 D12 ●

O-6 4 F09 ●


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O-7 1 K10 ●

O-7 2 I11 ●

O-7 3 H11 ●

O-7 4 H08 ●

O-8 1 H12 ●

O-8 2 I12 ●

O-8 3 B08 ●

O-8 4 B07 ●

O-9 1 K13 ●

O-9 2 J13 ●

O-9 3 C11 ●

O-9 4 C12 ●

O-10 1 J14 ●

O-10 2 I13 ●

O-10 3 E09 ●

O-10 4 C09 ●

O-11 1 F15 ●

O-11 2 J12 ●

O-11 3 A10 ●

O-11 4 E14 ●

O-12 1 H13 ●

O-12 2 G13 ●

O-12 3 I15 ●

O-12 4 F13 ●

O-13 1 G14 ●

O-13 2 H14 ●

O-13 3 E12 ●

O-13 4 C10 ●

O-14 1 H15 ●

O-14 2 I14 ●

O-14 2 G11 ●

O-14 4 E10 ●

60 56


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APPENDIX 5: SITE MARKINGS PLAN


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APPENDIX 6: NAVIGATIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT


44

APPENDIX 7: VESSEL TRAFFIC SURVEY

Rampion Offshore Wind Farm - Home Energy Supplier … Offshore Wind Farm Safety Zones Application 2...

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