The German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) has published today the 2nd update of the “Standard Design” – Minimum requirements concerning the constructive design of offshore structures within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
With the entry into force of the amendment to the Offshore Wind Energy Act (WindSeeG) on January 1, 2023, the previously applicable reservation regarding releases 1 through 3 will in future, pursuant to sec. 69 para. 1 sentence 2 WindSeeG, be replaced by an expert opinion to be prepared by an accredited certifier, which must be submitted to the BSH by the project developer at least twelve weeks before the planned start of construction as proof of compliance with the minimum requirements of the “Standard Design”.
Consequently, a 2nd update to the “Standard Design” was required.
The main changes compared to the current version of the “Standard Design” (as of 2021) are:
• Elimination of the release system (1st, 2nd, and 3rd releases),
• Update of the applicable regulations,
• Inclusion of the accredited certifier,
• Shortening of Chapter B.6 “Submarine Cables”,
• Inclusion of a process diagram for the certification scheme (new Annex 6) and
• Clarification of the requirements for periodic inspections during operation.
Regarding the validity of the 2nd update to the “Standard Design”, please refer to the transitional provisions in Chapter A 5. An English translation is currently being prepared and will be provided at a later date.
The 2nd update to the “Standard Design” can be downloaded from the BSH website. Please take this into account in your procedures.
