Ossian Offshore Wind Farm Limited (OWFL) has welcomed the successful completion of a 24 month digital aerial survey, a key milestone for the site.

HiDef Aerial Surveying Ltd carried out the surveys from March 2021 to February 2023, across the Ossian array area which is located approximately 80 km southeast of the Aberdeenshire coast.

The monthly surveys included an 8km buffer area and took place using four planes along transects at 2.5km spacing. The survey consisted of 330 hours of flight time across 4,050 square km, larger than Angus and Fife combined.

Each aircraft is equipped with high-definition camera equipment that captures live footage which is then assessed by ornithology and marine mammal experts. So far, the team have analysed over 16 million images following the survey.

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Data collected will be vital for understanding the distribution and habits of key ornithology and marine mammal species across the proposed floating wind farm's array area and surrounding area.

Martin Scott, Managing Director for HiDef, said: "Aerial surveys are a logistical challenge, but very rewarding. The team recorded a variety of seabirds, dolphins and a few minke whales, which are always a thrill to locate."

Holly Cartwright, Development Lead for Ossian said: "The data collected by the HiDef team is integral for understanding the distribution and habits of key ornithology and marine mammal species in and around Ossian's proposed development area.

"It will be used in compiling our final Environmental Impact Assessment report and inform how we can enter construction with the utmost attention and consideration of the important biodiversity which will continue to co-exist with Ossian."

Last year, the Ossian project completed a full geophysical and benthic survey of the project area. The data collected informed a review of the potential wind farm capacity. Subject to undertaking the necessary further environmental and technical assessments, the site could be used to generate the increased capacity of up to 3.6GW.