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Displaying items by tag: Dufour

Dufour Yachts and Crosshaven Boatyard have a portfolio of special offers for the September Show season.

But hurry as these will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

The boats are located on Marina stands - M313, 315, 317, 321, & 325

Dufour 470

Winner of the 2021 Cruising Yacht of the Year Award, the Dufour 470 is described by reviewers as having bags of room and a “very high stability design ….that certainly doesn’t disappoint.”

Available in three models, Easy, Performance and Ocean, it is an Ocean model at the show. With a very high spec including 3 cabins & 2 heads, forward galley, oak interior, bow thruster, upgraded 75 Hp engine.

Dufour 37Dufour 37

Dufour 37

This latest model launched by Dufour Yachts was unveiled at Cannes Yachting Festival and doesn’t have time to reach the Southampton Boat Show. However, she’s a spectacular boat and has already received great media interest.

Hugh Mockler from Crosshaven Boatyard will be happy to discuss your needs and will be available for the full duration of the Show.

Hugh will also be commuting back and forth to the equally impressive Rodman Stand.

Dufour 32Dufour 32

Dufour 32

As described in the media, this “impressive new smaller yacht” is aimed at a more active audience.

The Dufour 32 comes with bags of attitude and fun placed at the heart of its design. With many space-saving innovations, it has a unique inflatable transom that doubles up as a floating bathing platform, and a cockpit table that converts to become a full-sized day-bed for sunbathing.

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard
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Crosshaven Boatyard, Irish distributors for Dufour Yachts, have shared their excitement at the upcoming debut of the Dufour 37.

As previously noted on Afloat.ie, this unique, high-performance and spacious sailing boat will be on display afloat for her world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival from 6-11 September.

“The new Dufour 37 is a stunning looking yacht,” Crosshaven Boatyard’s Hugh Mockler tells Afloat.ie. “She comes with a number of new features that will appeal to a variety of sailors.

“Her standard keel has a draft of 1.90m with the option of a deeper keel for more performance. There is excellent flexibility in relation to how the boat is set up for any potential owner.

“Speed and comfort are very much to the fore with the Dufour 37,” Mockler adds. “Her forward cabin is amazing for this size boat with her double berth easily accessible from either side. She will certainly fit the needs of the Irish sailor whether it be for racing or cruising.

“This model along with a number of the Dufour models are nearly sold out already for the 2023 season.”

The Dufour 32 makes its UK debut at September’s Southampton International Boat Show 2022 | Credit: Dufour YachtsThe Dufour 32 makes its UK debut at September’s Southampton International Boat Show 2022 | Credit: Dufour Yachts

Just days after Cannes, the compact new Dufour 32 will make its UK debut at the Southampton International Boat Show 2022 — where it will be on show alongside the Dufour 390, 430 and the British Yachting Awards cruising yacht of the year winner, the Dufour 470.
 
Mockler previously shared with Afloat.ie that the launch of this ultra-modern, sporty sailing yacht is exciting news for the Irish market.

For more on these yachts and the rest of the Dufour range, get in touch with Dufour’s Irish agents at Crosshaven Boatyard, Hugh Mockler or Donal McClement at 021 483 1161 or [email protected].

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard
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The Dufour Yachts Shipyard is delighted to announce the launch of a new model, the Dufour 37.

This unique, high-performance and spacious sailing boat will be on display afloat for her world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival from 6-11 September 2022, with a press launch preceding the festival from 5pm local time on Monday 5 September at the Radisson Blu 1835 Hôtel.

Continuing on in the line of other recent models in the range, this boat was designed as a collaboration between the Dufour design team and Umberto Felci.

“We are extremely proud of this new project because the new Dufour 37 represent a new point of arrival reached after an intense work of rethinking and redesigning the whole complexity of a modern 10m yacht,” the Italian designer said.

The Dufour DNA
The Dufour 37 has a modern and stable hull as can be seen on offshore racing boats, but with a slightly rounded lower hull that favours her passage through the water and improve marine performance.

The Dufour 37 has a modern and stable hullThe Dufour 37 has a modern and stable hull

True Plaisir During Every Navigation
On board the Dufour 37, there are large outdoor living spaces. This new model has a larger cockpit than other yachts of this size for even greater comfort on board.

There are larger outdoor living spaces for even greater comfort on boardThere are large outdoor living spaces for even greater comfort on board

An Optimised Bow Area
The bow area of the Dufour 37 also offers a real relaxation area with her inflatable sundeck, a real innovation on this new model.

The bow area offers real relaxationThe bow area offers real relaxation

A Large Saloon and Cabins, Bathed in Light
The Dufour 37, in her two or three cabins version, has an owner’s cabin whose size and comfort is rarely found on a yacht of this length and even more light into the convivial living space of the saloon.

Light is a major feature of the living space insideLight is a major feature of the living space inside

Don’t miss your chance to see the new Dufour 37 up close in Cannes this September — and for more, get in touch with Dufour’s Irish agents at Crosshaven Boatyard, Hugh Mockler or Donal McClement at 021 483 1161 or [email protected].

Dufour 37 at sunset

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard

With the cancellation of boot Düsseldorf back in January and other boat shows due to COVID, Dufour Yachts have been making more use of online events to showcase its range of yachts.

Following the first two events in its Dufour Nautic Days series, the French brand will hold its third this Wednesday 30 March.

Click HERE to register your interest and find out more about the event.

The programme will include Nicolas Bérenger, Dufour commercial director and Figaro sailor, taking us on board a new Dufour to talk about the pleasure of helming, DNA and reactivity.

There are eight models in the Dufour range including the latest models, the Dufour 32 and Dufour 61 at either end of the range.

The new-look, Felci-designed Dufours are well known for their performance and quality. So it should be no surprise that the order book is almost full for the 2023 season already.

Dufour 390

Adding to that demand will be the Dufour 430 and Dufour 390 which will join the line-up of performance cruising yachts at the South Coast Boat Show in Southampton on 6-8 May.

This is a great opportunity to get an insight into the Dufour range in person, as both yachts borrow styling, design features, equipment and smart layout ideas used in their larger and smaller sister yachts.

Crosshaven Boatyard are the Irish agents for Dufour Yachts. Get in touch with Hugh Mockler or Donal McClement on 021 483 1161 or email [email protected].

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard

Dufour Yachts and Crosshaven Boatyard are back with a bang at Southampton Boat Show, presenting five yachts, including the fabulous new Dufour 470 and the Dufour 56.

Crosshaven Boatyard is announcing amazing Boat Show 'bundle' offers for all yacht orders placed at the show or before 31 November. These free equipment packs are worth between €10,000 and €50,000, depending on the model, and will enhance the features, onboard facilities and the overall value of your new Dufour.

Hugh Mockler of Crosshaven Boatyard explains, "The demand for new yachts has increased everywhere and our amazing value Autumn equipment bundles are timed to help owners secure a new build slot for Autumn 2022 for guaranteed sailing in the 2023 sailing season. Plus, they will benefit from fabulous free extras, such as enhanced sail controls, additional electronics and audio equipment, interior and cockpit furnishings.

Dufour 470Dufour 470

Dufour Yachts are also taking every precaution for show visitors to have a safe and comfortable visit and are running a private appointment system. These half-hour slots mean visitors can view a boat at their leisure and speak directly with one of the team. Book a viewing slot here https://bit.ly/2YAt5KB

The free high spec equipment bundles with all Dufour Yachts ordered at the Southampton Boat Show – berths M315-325

Dufour 470Dufour 470

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard

The launch of the new Dufour 32 is exciting news for the Irish market, says Irish Distributor Hugh Mockler of Crosshaven Boatyard in Cork Harbour.

"This new model from Dufour Yachts comes with a single long rudder and tiller steering, which will make her a fun boat to sail", Hugh tells Afloat.

She will have a number of sail configurations with the option of the mainsheet in the cockpit or on the coachroof and will also have the option of an inflatable swim platform, which is much lighter than the traditional GRP drop-down swim/boarding platform.

The Dufour 32 saloon table can transform into a very large double berth (sleeping athwartships)The Dufour 32 saloon table can transform into a very large double berth (sleeping athwartships)

The other novel ideas include a cockpit table that can transform into a sun-lounger and a saloon table that can transform into a very large double berth (sleeping athwartships).

"The Dufour 32 is a great addition to the Dufour range of yachts and she comes hot on the heels of both the new Dufour 470 and the Dufour 61, all designed by the excellent Felci Yacht Design team", Hugh adds.

The Dufour 32, a new addition to the 2022 range, will be on show afloat, making her World Première at the La Rochelle Grand Pavois Boat Show.

The designer of the new Dufour 32 Umberto Felci says the aim of the D32 project was to add fun to sailing. "Everything on board had been thought for you to enjoy the sailing part of the day and to appreciate the relaxing part of it", he says.

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard
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Dufour’s new Flagship, the sleek-looking Dufour 61 designed by Felci Yacht Design, will be undertaking sea trials in the next few weeks in La Rochelle. The new Dufour 61 will be quick but stable and very easy to handle, according to Irish agent Hugh Mockler of Crossghaven Boatyard in Cork Harbour.

Her sail controls are lead back to each helm station for easy access. Her mainsheet is on an arch which allows a better sheeting angle and keeps it clear of the cockpit. She has an excellent choice of sail configurations, including the option of in-mast furling mainsail and self-tacking jib.

Dufour 61 aft cockpit bed and table. There is plenty of seating and sunbathing areas, both around the central cockpit table and on a stunning aft sun-loungerThe Dufour 61's aft cockpit bed and table. There is plenty of seating and sunbathing areas, both around the central cockpit table and on a stunning aft sun-lounger

Her many advantages include a large dinghy garage, spacious cockpit, sunbathing areas, two cockpit tables and large windows giving loads of light to her amazing saloon. She has a number of layout options below including the forward galley which Dufour have perfected with the option of an aft galley. Dufour have also given her an even more luxurious feel below by adding extra soft furnishings and more upmarket fittings. She also has an endless list of option i.e. bow and stern thrusters, generator, water-maker the list goes on!

Dufour 61's bathing platform, bbq and garage.There is easy access direct to the aft bathing platform and large dinghy garage, suitable for housing a tender and life raft.Dufour 61's bathing platform, bbq and garage.There is easy access direct to the aft bathing platform and large dinghy garage, suitable for housing a tender and life raft.

Mockler says that as soon as travel restrictions are lifted and travel is safe, it will be possible to set up a sail test in La Rochelle. Dufour’s plan at the moment is to present the yacht at Boot Dusseldorf in April and then undertake a tour of the Mediterranean. The new Dufour 61 with an overall length of 63 feet will certainly turn a few heads”.

Dufour 61's aft sunbeds. There is plenty of seating and sunbathing areas, both around the central cockpit table and on a stunning aft sun-lounger, situated between the two helm stations, and  cleverly designed to also convert into another table with bench seatsDufour 61's aft sunbeds. There is plenty of seating and sunbathing areas, both around the central cockpit table and on a stunning aft sun-lounger, situated between the two helm stations, and cleverly designed to also convert into another table with bench seats

Design and build process

On smaller yachts, typically their design incorporates an inner matrix system that is bonded to the hull to create the required core strength. With the increased loads of a yacht the size of the '61 it is necessary to create a much stronger, rigid structure that will sail upwind without deflection or movement of the internal components. To create this, the hull has been made from a monobloc structure using an 'infusion process' which allows exact control of the production process. The main bulkheads are made from solid GRP and laminated directly onto the hull and deck, all of which create a highly robust single structure, stiff hull and deck for ultimate sailing performance which Dufour consider essential for a yacht of this size.

Hull & sail plan

Long hull chines offer a stable hull with increased performance as well as creating added volume below decks, all set off with Dufour's signature half-butterfly portholes.

With an overall sail area of 170m2, the yacht is supplied with optional in-mast or a traditional mainsail, self-tacking or overlapping headsails plus options to fly a variety of downwind sails from the integrated fixed bowsprit.

Deck layout

The coach roof ends at the mast base to create a clean and spacious foredeck and wide side decks allow easy movement around the deck. Importantly, the hull to deck joint is fully hidden with the teak side decks elegantly disguising the moulding lines

Numerous hand-holds together with a raised bulwark give greater security when moving around the deck at sea. Integrated in the bulwarks are smart courtesy lights to illuminate the decks at night.

Generous natural light floods below decks through a single moulded black plexiglass roof, which contrasts beautifully with the side decks and coachroof.

Cockpit layout

The cockpit has been carefully designed to separate the functional elements of sailing with other areas offered for relaxation.

All the hidden control lines run under the decks and are led aft to each helm station, both with large seats offering better comfort when sailing and all the necessary instrumentation equipment to ensure safe and easy navigation.

Movement around the cockpit is simple and unhindered, with large, moulded steps integrated into the coaming for safe and easy access up to the side decks.

An innovative split bimini allows easy circulation on board, without ducking or restricted headroom. The black carbon fibre arch clears the cockpit and entrance below as well as allowing the mainsheet control system to be at the end of the boom for less pressure and easier control.

With a spacious cockpit, fully enclosed on both sides, there is easy access direct to the aft bathing platform and large dinghy garage, suitable for housing a tender and life raft.

There is plenty of seating and sunbathing areas, both around the central cockpit table and on a stunning aft sun-lounger, situated between the two helm stations, and cleverly designed to also convert into another table with bench seats. It's the perfect spot, at the back of the cockpit, for breakfast or refreshments after a swim from the generous bathing platform. Beneath this rear bench sits the now legendary Dufour exterior galley, with barbeque, sink and fridge – for relaxed alfresco catering and socialising.

Below decks

The key distinction between the two layouts is the option to choose between a forward or aft galley layout.

In broad terms, the forward galley layout is intended for those owners not requiring a dedicated skipper's cabin aft. Generously appointed, the galley integrates with the main living space enabling sociable catering and hospitality, perfect for hosting families and friends. With a traditional layout of 2 aft double guest cabins, a generous master cabin forward and optional side Pullman cabin, there is also the option for a crew cabin forward, that is accessed from on deck.

Alternatively, the discreetly positioned port side aft galley which leads to a dedicated skipper's cabin, is the ideal layout for onboard catering and hosting. Again, there are additional Pullman cabin options to maximise accommodation.

On all models the master cabin is as luxurious as it is spacious, offering private relaxation space, as well as plenty of large wardrobe and storage cupboards. The beds are full 'home-sized' and come with real mattresses and optional slatted bases for support and ventilation.

Both layouts offer a generous and spacious interior living area and galleys with excellent storage space and a high-capacity fridge/freezer.

As is a now a familiar signature of all modern Dufour models, the cabins and living areas are flooded with plenty of natural daylight through large windows, deck hatches and portholes.

A dedicated navigation table is situated in the main saloon, along with a large bench sofa and an extendable dining table with extensive seating capacity. High quality wood is used throughout with a choice of interior woods and finishes.

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard

The new Dufour 470 is the shape of things to come from the French sailboat brand.

Set for her world premiere in the New Year at boot Düsseldorf 2021, the 470 balances contemporary design with Dufour’s iconic elegance and performance.

“The new Dufour 470 is another new departure for Dufour Yachts,” says Hugh Mockler of Crosshaven Boatyard, the Irish agents for Dufour Yachts.

“She looks fast and, like her 53-foot sister [the Dufour 530], she is available in three different variations, which covers every aspect of sailing.

Dufour 470 cockpit deck layout

The Easy version “is for the sailor that wishes to keep sailing simple. Her coachroof is clear of any obstructions with control lines coming back to the two winches at the helm”.

The Ocean version is suitable for the ‘traditional’ sailor who likes to do a bit of tweaking with winches on the coachroof and beside the helm, along with the mainsail traveller on the coachroof.

And the Performance version, Hugh says, is “for the sailor who wishes to have more performance and also likes do a bit of racing around the cans and still have all the comforts from home down below”.

Available with three-, four- and five-cabin options, with up to four heads and a front or side galley, the layout choices can accommodate larger or reduced crew numbers, sailing styles and comfort options.

D470 Cabin layout 1

The space below decks is flooded with natural light, especially in the generous aft cabins, and there is creative use of ambient lighting in the living areas.

Plenty of storage is available in both the saloon and cabins, with there is also an integrated bench sofa and separate table and seating area.

There’s more storage above decks, where you will also find an electronically operated bathing platform towards the stern, and a large cockpit area.

An exterior galley, with barbecue, sits between the two helm stations, while the cockpit table can seat up to eight guests.

“The Dufour 470 will certainly turn heads when she hits the water,” Hugh adds.

Get in touch with Crosshaven Boatyard to confirm your interest — call Hugh Mockler or Donal McClement on 021 483 1161 or 086 254 6123 or email [email protected]

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Dufour’s new Flagship is the sleek-looking Dufour 61. She is designed by Felci Yacht Design, who has been designing all of Dufour’s yachts since 2002. Felci is noted for not compromising on performance. So, as a result, the new Dufour 61 is quick but stable and easy to handle. Irish agents for the Dufour range is Cork Harbour's Crosshaven Boatyard.

The company has produced a new video on the 61.

All her sail controls lead back to the after part of the cockpit. Her mainsheet is on an arch which allows a better sheeting angle and is also clear of the cockpit. She has a number of sail configurations including the option of the in-mast furling mainsail and self-tacking jib.

Her many advantages include decent dinghy garage, large cockpit, loads of sunbathing areas, two cockpit tables and big windows giving loads of light down below.

She has a number of layout options below including the forward galley which Dufour have perfected with the option of an aft galley. Dufour has made an extra effort to make the boat feel even more luxurious than previous models adding extra soft furnishings and more upmarket fittings etc. The new Dufour 61 with an overall length of 63 feet will certainly turn a few heads”.

More details from Hugh Mockler at Crosshaven Boatyard on [email protected]

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard

French yacht builder Dufour has launched a ‘virtual marina’ where customers can visit the brand’s models at a safe distance, and in the comfort of their own homes.

“In this springtime period when everyone should be able to sail and go to boat shows, the priority today is to stay at home,” said the company based near La Rochelle.

“Our departments are also protected and they are already preparing with all our partners the return to full activity and stay with you.

“In this expectation, we have designed this virtual marina to visit all the Dufour yachts while staying at home. It’s the best way for us to continue to inspire you, to make you dream, and to share our common passion.”

The Dufour website hosts the virtual guided tour not unlike the real-life experience, where you can ‘walk’ along a CGI jetty and explore the full range of boats, inside and out.

And Dufour’s Irish dealers at Crosshaven Boatyard have welcomed the initiative, with broker Hugh Mockler saying: “No matter where in the world you are, we all love to walk the marinas to admire what’s on offer. Dufour’s new virtual marina offers you just that.

“Just follow what looks like a yellow brick road and click on the yellow spot. This will then bring you on board each yacht to have a nose. It really is very clever and brings us into a dream for the future.”

Hugh added: “Our hearts go out to all the people that have suffered and are suffering during this awful time. We all look forward to a better and kinder future.”

Published in Crosshaven Boatyard
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Ireland's Offshore Renewable Energy

Because of Ireland's location at the Atlantic edge of the EU, it has more offshore energy potential than most other countries in Europe. The conditions are suitable for the development of the full range of current offshore renewable energy technologies.

Offshore Renewable Energy FAQs

Offshore renewable energy draws on the natural energy provided by wind, wave and tide to convert it into electricity for industry and domestic consumption.

Offshore wind is the most advanced technology, using fixed wind turbines in coastal areas, while floating wind is a developing technology more suited to deeper water. In 2018, offshore wind provided a tiny fraction of global electricity supply, but it is set to expand strongly in the coming decades into a USD 1 trillion business, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). It says that turbines are growing in size and in power capacity, which in turn is "delivering major performance and cost improvements for offshore wind farms".

The global offshore wind market grew nearly 30% per year between 2010 and 2018, according to the IEA, due to rapid technology improvements, It calculated that about 150 new offshore wind projects are in active development around the world. Europe in particular has fostered the technology's development, led by Britain, Germany and Denmark, but China added more capacity than any other country in 2018.

A report for the Irish Wind Energy Assocation (IWEA) by the Carbon Trust – a British government-backed limited company established to accelerate Britain's move to a low carbon economy - says there are currently 14 fixed-bottom wind energy projects, four floating wind projects and one project that has yet to choose a technology at some stage of development in Irish waters. Some of these projects are aiming to build before 2030 to contribute to the 5GW target set by the Irish government, and others are expected to build after 2030. These projects have to secure planning permission, obtain a grid connection and also be successful in a competitive auction in the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS).

The electricity generated by each turbine is collected by an offshore electricity substation located within the wind farm. Seabed cables connect the offshore substation to an onshore substation on the coast. These cables transport the electricity to land from where it will be used to power homes, farms and businesses around Ireland. The offshore developer works with EirGrid, which operates the national grid, to identify how best to do this and where exactly on the grid the project should connect.

The new Marine Planning and Development Management Bill will create a new streamlined system for planning permission for activity or infrastructure in Irish waters or on the seabed, including offshore wind farms. It is due to be published before the end of 2020 and enacted in 2021.

There are a number of companies aiming to develop offshore wind energy off the Irish coast and some of the larger ones would be ESB, SSE Renewables, Energia, Statkraft and RWE.

There are a number of companies aiming to develop offshore wind energy off the Irish coast and some of the larger ones would be ESB, SSE Renewables, Energia, Statkraft and RWE. Is there scope for community involvement in offshore wind? The IWEA says that from the early stages of a project, the wind farm developer "should be engaging with the local community to inform them about the project, answer their questions and listen to their concerns". It says this provides the community with "the opportunity to work with the developer to help shape the final layout and design of the project". Listening to fishing industry concerns, and how fishermen may be affected by survey works, construction and eventual operation of a project is "of particular concern to developers", the IWEA says. It says there will also be a community benefit fund put in place for each project. It says the final details of this will be addressed in the design of the RESS (see below) for offshore wind but it has the potential to be "tens of millions of euro over the 15 years of the RESS contract". The Government is also considering the possibility that communities will be enabled to invest in offshore wind farms though there is "no clarity yet on how this would work", the IWEA says.

Based on current plans, it would amount to around 12 GW of offshore wind energy. However, the IWEA points out that is unlikely that all of the projects planned will be completed. The industry says there is even more significant potential for floating offshore wind off Ireland's west coast and the Programme for Government contains a commitment to develop a long-term plan for at least 30 GW of floating offshore wind in our deeper waters.

There are many different models of turbines. The larger a turbine, the more efficient it is in producing electricity at a good price. In choosing a turbine model the developer will be conscious of this ,but also has to be aware the impact of the turbine on the environment, marine life, biodiversity and visual impact. As a broad rule an offshore wind turbine will have a tip-height of between 165m and 215m tall. However, turbine technology is evolving at a rapid rate with larger more efficient turbines anticipated on the market in the coming years.

 

The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme is designed to support the development of renewable energy projects in Ireland. Under the scheme wind farms and solar farms compete against each other in an auction with the projects which offer power at the lowest price awarded contracts. These contracts provide them with a guaranteed price for their power for 15 years. If they obtain a better price for their electricity on the wholesale market they must return the difference to the consumer.

Yes. The first auction for offshore renewable energy projects is expected to take place in late 2021.

Cost is one difference, and technology is another. Floating wind farm technology is relatively new, but allows use of deeper water. Ireland's 50-metre contour line is the limit for traditional bottom-fixed wind farms, and it is also very close to population centres, which makes visibility of large turbines an issue - hence the attraction of floating structures Do offshore wind farms pose a navigational hazard to shipping? Inshore fishermen do have valid concerns. One of the first steps in identifying a site as a potential location for an offshore wind farm is to identify and assess the level of existing marine activity in the area and this particularly includes shipping. The National Marine Planning Framework aims to create, for the first time, a plan to balance the various kinds of offshore activity with the protection of the Irish marine environment. This is expected to be published before the end of 2020, and will set out clearly where is suitable for offshore renewable energy development and where it is not - due, for example, to shipping movements and safe navigation.

YEnvironmental organisations are concerned about the impact of turbines on bird populations, particularly migrating birds. A Danish scientific study published in 2019 found evidence that larger birds were tending to avoid turbine blades, but said it didn't have sufficient evidence for smaller birds – and cautioned that the cumulative effect of farms could still have an impact on bird movements. A full environmental impact assessment has to be carried out before a developer can apply for planning permission to develop an offshore wind farm. This would include desk-based studies as well as extensive surveys of the population and movements of birds and marine mammals, as well as fish and seabed habitats. If a potential environmental impact is identified the developer must, as part of the planning application, show how the project will be designed in such a way as to avoid the impact or to mitigate against it.

A typical 500 MW offshore wind farm would require an operations and maintenance base which would be on the nearby coast. Such a project would generally create between 80-100 fulltime jobs, according to the IWEA. There would also be a substantial increase to in-direct employment and associated socio-economic benefit to the surrounding area where the operation and maintenance hub is located.

The recent Carbon Trust report for the IWEA, entitled Harnessing our potential, identified significant skills shortages for offshore wind in Ireland across the areas of engineering financial services and logistics. The IWEA says that as Ireland is a relatively new entrant to the offshore wind market, there are "opportunities to develop and implement strategies to address the skills shortages for delivering offshore wind and for Ireland to be a net exporter of human capital and skills to the highly competitive global offshore wind supply chain". Offshore wind requires a diverse workforce with jobs in both transferable (for example from the oil and gas sector) and specialist disciplines across apprenticeships and higher education. IWEA have a training network called the Green Tech Skillnet that facilitates training and networking opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

It is expected that developing the 3.5 GW of offshore wind energy identified in the Government's Climate Action Plan would create around 2,500 jobs in construction and development and around 700 permanent operations and maintenance jobs. The Programme for Government published in 2020 has an enhanced target of 5 GW of offshore wind which would create even more employment. The industry says that in the initial stages, the development of offshore wind energy would create employment in conducting environmental surveys, community engagement and development applications for planning. As a site moves to construction, people with backgrounds in various types of engineering, marine construction and marine transport would be recruited. Once the site is up and running , a project requires a team of turbine technicians, engineers and administrators to ensure the wind farm is fully and properly maintained, as well as crew for the crew transfer vessels transporting workers from shore to the turbines.

The IEA says that today's offshore wind market "doesn't even come close to tapping the full potential – with high-quality resources available in most major markets". It estimates that offshore wind has the potential to generate more than 420 000 Terawatt hours per year (TWh/yr) worldwide – as in more than 18 times the current global electricity demand. One Terawatt is 114 megawatts, and to put it in context, Scotland it has a population a little over 5 million and requires 25 TWh/yr of electrical energy.

Not as advanced as wind, with anchoring a big challenge – given that the most effective wave energy has to be in the most energetic locations, such as the Irish west coast. Britain, Ireland and Portugal are regarded as most advanced in developing wave energy technology. The prize is significant, the industry says, as there are forecasts that varying between 4000TWh/yr to 29500TWh/yr. Europe consumes around 3000TWh/year.

The industry has two main umbrella organisations – the Irish Wind Energy Association, which represents both onshore and offshore wind, and the Marine Renewables Industry Association, which focuses on all types of renewable in the marine environment.

©Afloat 2020