Current estimates predict that floating offshore wind turbines will make up more than one third of the UK’s total offshore wind capacity by 2050. And as floating offshore wind scales up, the importance of coexisting with other sea users, such as commercial fisheries, is a crucial consideration within the development and consenting process.
‘The Floating Offshore Wind and Fishing Framework for Coexistence’ project, led by ORE Catapult on behalf of the Floating Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence, in partnership with Crown Estate Scotland, has developed a set of guidelines, following dialogue between offshore developers and commercial fisheries, to inform decision making when developing UK floating offshore wind farms of the future.
The project identified practical opportunities for the two industries to work together and outlined recommendations for further research.
Luke Eatough, Senior Engineer at ORE Catapult, said:
“This project represents the latest in a series of collaborative engagements between the Floating Offshore Wind (FOW) Centre of Excellence and UK fisheries to understand how our two industries can successfully coexist in the future. One of the key outcomes of this work was a detailed examination of the main technical and economic considerations, and how these can inform the development process of future FOW farms.
“We look forward to continuing productive cross-sector collaborations, particularly as we move to deliver on the recommendations outlined in the FOW and Fishing Framework for Coexistence report.”
Elspeth Macdonald, CEO of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said:
“The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation makes no secret of our concerns about floating offshore wind and the impacts it could have on our sector, so it is important that we participate in projects such as this, to help inform the Floating Offshore Wind and Fishing Framework for Coexistence. It is important that both sectors understand fully the needs, ambitions and practical constraints of each other, and this type of collaborative and thoughtful process has allowed these to be fully considered. Renewable food production in Scotland’s seas must not become an inadvertent casualty of renewable energy production, so we view this project as an important component of developing the knowledge base and helping to inform future decisions.”
Raymond Hall, Renewable Energy Policy Officer, Scottish Whitefish Producers Association Limited, said:
“The Scottish White Fish Producers Association is pleased to have contributed to the development of the Floating Offshore Wind and Fishing Framework for Coexistence. Our involvement ensured that the practical knowledge and lived experience of Scotland’s fishing fleet were embedded throughout the process. This work represents an important step toward creating a shared understanding between sectors, helping to safeguard the viability of commercial fishing while supporting the responsible growth of floating offshore wind. A clear, evidence‑based framework like this is essential for ensuring that coexistence is not just an ambition, but a workable reality for coastal communities and the marine environment.”
Ben Miller, Head of Policy at Crown Estate Scotland, said:
“This report has deepened our understanding of the key technical elements relevant to floating wind farm and fishing interactions, including site design, the role of innovation and considerations in the operational phase. We look forward to further collaboration on this important topic.”
