So, Jeroen, as the person responsible for the North Sea and Maritime Safety domain, you safeguard safety at our Belgian wind farms. How do you determine where you can and cannot sail?

Jeroen: “We base our policies on international regulations. This is because multiple maritime zones exist. The territorial waters, that part that falls within the competence of the national authorities, extend up to 12 nautical miles from the coast. The Belgian wind farms are situated outside of this area and therefore fall under international jurisdiction.

At the same time, our wind farms are located within the Belgian Exclusive Economic Zone, that part of the sea our country can use to, for example, build wind turbines. Even though ships are in principle free to sail through these waters, we do have the right to prohibit access to our wind farms for safety reasons. Of course, we’re not allowed to construct wind farms that will block existing shipping routes.”

How do you detect intrusion incidents? What equipment do you use?

Jeroen: “We cooperate with the Maritime Information Centre in Zeebrugge. This umbrella organisation is home to the FPS Mobility and Transport, the Belgian Coastguard, Customs, the Navy component of our armed forces, and the Environment Agencies. But in truth, any official is capable of establishing that an infringement has taken place at sea and inform us. The wind farms themselves are also allowed to do so.

Monitoring the wind farms therefore is a joint duty. We make use of the automatic identification system (AIS) installed on every ship, which tells us where the ship is. Fishing boats and large vessels are required to continuously broadcast signals. This is not obligatory for pleasure craft, but it is strongly recommended. The system works on the basis of radar equipment, via satellites and stations on land. European Commission tests using drones are also currently being conducted.”

Why is it prohibited to sail through the Belgian wind farms?

Jeroen: “This is purely for safety reasons. If an emergency occurs, it is difficult to initiate a rescue operation. You cannot simply manoeuvre a helicopter in between the wind turbines. It is also very difficult to try and rescue people using a rescue vessel. A wind farm greatly impacts your view and also interferes with radar images. Of course, your ship could also damage the wind turbines’ infrastructure. Damage to the cables easily runs into the hundred of thousands to millions of euros. But we primarily ensure the safety of people.”

What actions do you take if an intrusion has taken place?

Jeroen: “When we establish that an infringement has taken place, we draw up an official report. This may have to do with a vessel entering the wind farms, but also a fisherman fishing where that’s not allowed or someone sailing in the wrong direction. We are usually able to identify the ship and the owner. Foreign vessels do not escape our attention, either. The rules apply to everyone.

We do not impose the fines ourselves. That is a matter for the administrative service. They consider the merits of each individual case. Did a vessel sail straight through a wind farm, or did it just enter the contiguous zone? Was it a first offence? Was the vessel a pleasure craft or a commercial ship? The costs can be very high. Multiple commercial vessels have already had to pay fines of over €35,000. But a pleasure craft entering the contiguous zone once can also expect a fine of some €250. We follow the price scales as laid down by law.”

Are infringers given a second chance?

Jeroen: “We are strict, but human. Our official report does not automatically result in a fine. We inform the owner but always give them the opportunity to explain themselves. If their explanation is plausible, we accept it. Safety remains the highest priority. If you need to change course due to engine failure or a ripped sail, we would also prefer you to move to one side instead of remaining in the middle of the shipping lane.

Not every country applies the same rules. In England, you are permitted to sail through wind farms, in the Netherlands sometimes you are and sometimes you are not, and in Belgium this is never permitted. Needless to say, this can be confusing, but it is always indicated on the navigation charts. If we happen to be on a patrol boat and notice a pleasure craft heading towards the wind farms, we will always warn them. Better safe than sorry.”

Jeroen, thank you for this interesting interview. We’ll keep our fingers crossed that the number of intrusions will soon drop to zero!

If you would like to help ensure the safety of our wind farms and inform others about the intrusion rules,

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