Le Figaro Nantes
For now, it is far from being a tidal wave. Authorized under certain conditions since January 1, 2023, navigation within the offshore wind farm off Saint-Nazaire (Loire-Atlantique) remains measured. "There are less than a dozen users, whether fishermen or sailboats, present at the same time in this area," says Alban Simon, spokesman for the maritime prefect of the Atlantic, who does not have an "exact average" in the matter. With the arrival of sunny days and the summer period, the situation could change: "The area is an axis frequented by boaters who go up and down between Brittany and the islands off La Rochelle."
A wave of curious people could also sweep through this 78 km2 space comprising 80 wind turbines to get as close as possible to the first offshore park to run at full speed in France since November 23, 2022. Faced with this probability, the objective of the authorities is not to close the hatches. On the contrary. On May 24, a new order was taken to "accompany the return of uses as close as possible to what was done before", as explained by the commander. "The objective is not to give the image of strong regulation," he adds, indicating that this permissiveness is also an element capable of promoting the "understanding" and "acceptability" of the industrial site.
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"Reasonable" behaviour
However, it will not be possible to navigate freely. Many rules remain in force. Thus, access is only tolerated for sailing or motor vessels whose size does not exceed 25 meters and with a tonnage of less than 500 UMS. Speed will be limited to 12 knots (22 km/h). It will be prohibited, except in emergencies, to anchor there. It is also forbidden to approach within 50 meters of the masts of the wind turbines or to be within 200 meters of the electrical substation. Water activities such as jet-skiing, kitesurfing or the use of kayaks or canoes are still prohibited.
The main change for boaters is that they will no longer necessarily need to be equipped with an AIS (an aid to navigation and a vessel identification system) to travel to the restricted area. "This will only be possible during the day and in good weather conditions," says Alban Simon. After a test phase, the initial rule turned out not to be essential, especially as the behaviors are reasonable. Nevertheless, AIS is still necessary at night and as soon as visibility is "poor", i.e. less than five kilometers. However, this provision is not definitive: "In the event of a behavioural problem, we could go back and demand the AIS again permanently."
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Diving allowed
If legislation is loosened on the surface of the wind farm's water, so are underwater activities. From now on, diving is allowed. This practice remains very "supervised". It is only possible through clubs. The latter must first obtain an authorization from the Maritime Prefecture of the Atlantic. "We already have a list of clubs but others can apply," reports Alban Simon. Above them, divers may see tourists passing by nearby admiring the 175-metre-high wind turbines.
"The new order also authorizes the presence of passenger ships in the restricted area to engage in commercial activity. The outings are made on routes predefined by the operator [EDF Renewables, editor's note] and validated by the prefecture, "he says. If cruises were organized last summer, they were limited to the vicinity of the wind farm. This season, boats will be able to sail inside the park. "Being at the heart of the site gives an even more captivating and fascinating show," says Arnaud Glize, head of communication for "Saint-Nazaire renversante", the "brand of the territory" intended to promote tourism. This week, he was able to embark on a cruise to better discover the site. He came back convinced of its appeal: "It's an impressive and very graphic place."
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Cruises that fill up
Places are likely to leave very quickly: "Last summer, we were a hit with a 100% occupancy rate. There was an incredible craze. People had a positive mindset." The two commented cruises organized by this organization from the ecomuseum of Saint-Nazaire - lasting three hours and costing 30 € (full price) - had transported 300 people. With the new navigation possibility offered by the Maritime Prefecture of the Atlantic, the capacity will be multiplied. "We have five dates for the months of July and August. They are already almost complete. At the beginning of July, we will reopen four additional dates to offer tourists the opportunity to discover the site, "says Arnaud Glize who also notes the enthusiasm of local inhabitants for these discovery cruises.
Due to the success, discovery cruises of the offshore wind farm will be more numerous this summer. Jérôme Bosger / Saint-Nazaire stunning
In parallel, a private operator - Navix - operates the same activity from La Turballe and Guérande. This summer, eight are planned, four of which will be free during Oceans Week and Heritage Days. As with those organized by Saint-Nazaire Renversante, these sea trips were designed in partnership with EDF Renewables. The operator of the wind farm is not left out on the subject. It also organizes discovery cruises from La Turballe. Free of charge, four are planned this summer (they are already full). Given the success encountered, the company tells Le Figaro that the device planned as part of the commissioning of the park could be sustainable.
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Beware of controls
"Just as we already do on our onshore installations, EDF Renewables is keen to introduce its facilities and its various businesses. We are currently studying the possibilities to set up regular visits to the Saint-Nazaire wind farm whose constraints are different, "writes the company. The number of boats in the sector could therefore continue to increase in the coming years. To ensure proper compliance with practices by professionals (fishermen, cruises) and individuals, controls will be carried out by the Maritime Gendarmerie and Maritime Affairs.
"There will be benevolence. The goal is not to seek the sanction but fines may apply, "warns the spokesman of the maritime prefecture of the Atlantic. A fisherman has just paid the price. About ten days ago he received a ticket. The first established within the regulated area.