SBM Offshore has appointed Kilkeel-based co-operative SeaSource Offshore as official fisheries liaison for its North Channel Wind energy project.
Owned by local fishermen, SeaSource will act as the primary point of contact between fishing communities and other marine-based operations and representatives from SBM Offshore as North Channel Wind proceeds with plans to build two offshore floating wind farms off the Belfast coastline.
The project involves installing up to 30 wind turbines which will potentially generate enough electricity to power 500,000 homes over the next decade and potentially create hundreds of jobs.
As the project progresses, the North Channel Wind team will undertake a number of scoping exercises to assess the impact on marine life, underwater species, and commercial fisheries currently operating in the area.
SeaSource Offshore will use its extensive experience and knowledge of the North Channel to maintain strong lines of communication between the fishing industry and North Channel Wind, something project director Niamh Kenny, says is central to the development.
She said: “As our project develops, it’s important for us to work with the local community and establish clear lines of communication with all stakeholders, updating them on the status and any potential impacts of the project.
“Our message to the local community is that we want to work alongside you to deliver the benefits offshore energy production can bring and create significant supply chain opportunities.
“Our partnership with SeaSource Offshore and its local knowledge and existing relationships is a winning combination and we are very much looking forward to working with the team,” added Ms Kenny, who is also chair of Renewables NI offshore wind working group.
Davey Hill, head of business development at SeaSource Offshore, said: “We welcome North Channel Wind’s sensitive approach to this project as well as its clear commitment to working closely with the local fishing community. We are confident that as the project develops and construction work gets under way, we can maintain a strong working relationship and use our intelligence and technology to create positive outcomes for everyone involved.”
