Towards navigational safety of ecosystem based Maritime Spatial Planning solutions

Abstract

According to EU Directive establishing a framework for Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) the main purpose of MSP is to promote sustainable development and to identify the utilization of maritime space for different sea uses as well as to manage spatial uses and conflicts in marine areas. The offshore wind energy production is considered to be one of the main drivers of MSP in the Baltic Sea Region. However, the impact on navigational safety from offshore renewable energy installations (OREI) should be assessed and taken into account in the MSP processes. In a course of implementation of the INTERREG BSR Baltic LINes project, this planning issue is addressed by analysis of the potential impact on navigational safety from planned OREI off the Hiiumaa Island (Estonia) in the Baltic Sea. As a result, the safe distance of turbines’ boundary from shipping route is evaluated referring as an example to UK relevant regulations determining the manoeuvring space that vessels need in order to keep a safe distance from multiple structures such as OREI. Accompanying environmental safety issues related to marine space allocation for OREI developments off the Hiiumaa Island are addressed.