Islanders have reported on social media seeing a large crane ship off Jersey’s south coast. The 40,000-tonne vessel has begun carrying out drilling tests at three sites where the turbines are due to be installed.
According to Ailes Marines, the work is predominantly aimed at seeing whether drilling can be used as a less environmentally damaging alternative to traditional piling methods.
The move forms part of efforts aimed at allaying the concerns of French fishermen and environmentalists who have spoken out against the wind farm’s installation.
A programme of monitoring will also take place during the testing phase to assess the effect the drilling has on mammals, birds and scallops. Underwater noise levels will be recorded as well, and water-quality testing is due to be carried out. The project has been planned for years and a public inquiry was held in Jersey in 2016 to gather the views and concerns of Islanders.
Ailes Marines expect that the €2.5 billion wind farm will be fully operational by 2023.
