3-dimensional Forward Looking Sonar: Offshore wind farm applications improving the safety & reliability of offshore wind farms

The current paper discusses how 3-dimensional Forward Looking Sonar (3D FLS) technology can be used to improve the safety of navigation around offshore wind farms (OWFs). The authors make the case that although the use of 3D FLS is not widespread at present, the rapid growth in the number, and sizes of offshore wind turbines presents a formidable challenge for the maritime industry. In order to prepare for increasingly crowded sea areas, stakeholders must investigate the potential application areas for such technologies that can enhance the safety of maritime operations in the vicinity of offshore installations. 3D FLS applications can be many and varied, as demonstrated by the discussion in the current work; these applications include improving safety, increasing the reliability and reducing the downtime of OWFs - important issues for both the maritime and offshore wind industries.