We have been extensively involved in multiple stages of the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm (OWF) and the proposed Rampion Extension Offshore Wind Farm (Rampion 2), located in the English Channel off the Sussex coast. Our work spans ecological surveys, post-construction monitoring, underwater noise monitoring support, and supporting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), showcasing our expertise in delivering high-quality environmental data and analysis for offshore renewable energy projects.
Rampion Offshore Wind Farm: post-construction monitoring programme
Since the commissioning of the Rampion OWF, we have been contracted by RWE (formerly E.ON) to undertake a multi-year post-construction monitoring programme. This programme includes:
- Reviewing and obtaining regulatory approval for the monitoring plan.
- Conducting biannual benthic ecology and fish and shellfish ecology surveys.
- Designing and implementing an Annex I habitat investigation survey based on geophysical data collected in 2019.
These surveys provide critical insights into the long-term environmental impacts of the operational wind farm, ensuring compliance with environmental obligations and supporting adaptive management practices.
Rampion Extension Offshore Wind Farm: EIA surveys
For the proposed Rampion 2 project, we were commissioned by RWE’s EIA consultants, GoBe and Wood, to conduct a suite of subtidal and intertidal ecological surveys as part of the EIA process. Key activities included:
Subtidal surveys:
- Conducted aboard OEL’s dedicated survey vessel, Seren Las.
- Utilised Drop-Down Camera (DDC) imagery and benthic grab sampling to characterise subtidal habitats and associated biological communities.
Intertidal surveys:
- Phase I walkover surveys to scope intertidal habitats along the proposed cable corridor off the West Sussex coast.
- UAV scoping surveys followed by detailed Phase II sampling to further delineate habitats and assess marine biological communities.
Along with some novel and well received predictive habitat mapping using modelling techniques, these surveys provided essential data to characterise benthic habitats, including Annex I habitats, feeding directly into the EIA and supporting the consenting process for Rampion 2.
Underwater noise monitoring:
In collaboration with Subacoustech, we provided underwater noise monitoring support for Rampion 2 aboard our dedicated survey vessel, Seren Las. This work involved multiple long-term acoustic hydrophone deployments to collect data on underwater soundscapes. The monitoring contributed to the assessment of potential impacts of the wind farm on marine life and informed mitigation strategies during the development and operational phases.
