UK: Centrica’s Wind Farm Won’t Affect Steam Packet

The traits of the past seemed to be in conflict with the technological development of the future, as the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, the oldest continually operating passenger shipping company in the world objects to the Centrica’s plans for a wind farm in the Irish Sea, outside Manx waters, Iomtoday reports.

Namely, the potential erection of the wind farm could affect the existing ferry routes. Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward characterized the plans on the wind farm as ’unworkable’ and ‘unacceptable’. However, according to him, Centrica seems keen on implementing its plans in the path of both the Isle of Man to Liverpool and Isle of Man to Heysham routes.

Prompted by complaints the Government is undertaking activities within the framework of the Isle of Man Marine Plan, which includes a Marine Environmental Assessment. It stipulates mapping the location of navigation corridors, important natural areas and pipelines/cables in order to identify potential wind farm sites that which will not affect the Manx marine environment, or ferry routes.

Environment Minister Phil Gawne MHK, a supporter of wind technology, said:

‘While I know there is some scepticism among the Manx public about wind farms the Shetland Viking project demonstrates the considerable economic value that can be generated for small island economies from such projects.

‘This wind farm in Shetland, if mirrored here, would half our current deficit and realise other economic benefits including service industry jobs.’

Out of that reason it is of crucial importance for the Marine Spatial Plan to be completed as soon as possible.

The Scottish Government granted installation of 127 turbine 370MW development in Shetland, with an interconnector to mainland Scotland. The wind farm is expected to generate over 16 times the number of homes in Shetland, earning £30 million worth profit to the community.

[mappress]

Offshore WIND staff, April 16, 2012