CHAPTER 7 - Making the Case: Simulators for Offshore Renewable Energy Installations Navigational Risk Assessment

In the analysis at hand, the authors consider if, and how, ship handling simulators can be used to feasibly augment existing navigational risk assessment (NRA) studies – particularly those concerning offshore renewable energy installations (OREIs). In order to achieve their aim, they have conducted an experimental pilot study that allowed them to observe, assess and quantify navigational behaviour in the vicinity of an offshore wind farm (OWF). The authors also suggest how simulators can be used to improve the quantification of various parameters that are used in existing NRA models and methods. Lastly, they discuss how simulators can be used to augment traditional stakeholder ‘workshops’ to further optimise the use of limited sea-space.