To ensure the turbines operate to their maximum capacity a programme of operation and maintenance (O&M) will be developed requiring crew to visit the site daily.

 

When looking for an O&M base, Wells-next-the-Sea was the natural choice, being only around 20 nautical miles from the Sheringham Shoal site. There was just one key challenge – its limited accessibility due to tidal restrictions.

 

The project team began working with the Wells Harbour Master and Commissioners more than two years ago to determine if the tidal challenge could be overcome and this work has culminated in a dredging initiative that will deepen the harbour entrance channel and, with the extended tidal window, provide almost 24 hour access to wind farm work vessels. Following approval from the Marine and Fisheries Agency (MFA), a specially-constructed dredger - an excavator mounted on a barge - with GPS tracking to ensure precision begun dredging work to deepen the channel to one-metre at low tide.

 

Once deepened, the depth of the channel will be maintained with regular dredging. It is testament to the good cooperation between Scira and the Wells Harbour authorities that they chose to call the dredger the “Kari Hege” after the Stakeholder Manager of the Sheringham Shoal project, Ms Kari Hege Mørk.

 

A new commercial outer jetty with pontoons will be constructed so the wind farm vessels will not interfere with established port operations. Scira and the Wells Harbour have signed an agreement confirming that the developer will use the harbour as its wind farm operational base for up to 50 years.

 

Scira will have a large operational base just outside the town where wind farm workers will go every day to change for their offshore duties. A mini-bus will then transport them to the outer jetty where vessels will take them offshore, returning later in the afternoon via the same method. This is to ensure traffic in the town is minimised and additional car parking is not required. A central office, possibly with a shop-front, is also being planned to provide information and deal with public enquiries.

 

By establishing its hub in the town, the Sheringham Shoal development will help to ensure a viable future for the port and provide employment and other economic and social benefits to the area, while safeguarding its unique character and charm.

 

Wells-next-the-Sea harbour