Tidal Installations Might Hamper Smooth Sailing in UK

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has expressed concerns that recently announced tidal current installations might pose a navigational hazard, particularly the one planned in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland.

The Crown Estate has agreed seabed rights for six new wave and tidal current demonstration zones and five new wave and tidal current sites around the UK.

Stuart Carruthers RYA Cruising Manager said: “We made it clear in our response to the consultation phase that the RYA does not believe that this area is suitable for a demonstration development. Further tidal current installations will compound navigational problems for legitimate users of the sea.

Recreational boaters are already having difficulty navigating safely with the combination of the SeaGen Tidal Turbine which is very much a surface piercing hazard, and the Routen Wheel, a nearby area of whirlpools and overfalls.

Any further devices will only compound the problem”.

The site is located in ‘the Narrows’, the tricky entrance to and exit from Strangford Lough, with the tidal flows in the entrance reaching speeds of up to 7.5 knots at springs.

In strong onshore winds breaking seas can extend well over a mile SE of the entrance. Even in much calmer conditions standing waves may be encountered.

The Crown Estate believes the provision of additional seabed rights is a necessary step forward in enabling further technology development and commercialisation, which they say will be critical if the UK is to unlock its significant natural resources for wave and tidal energy.

[mappress]
Press Release; July 10th, 2014; Image: doeni