Belgium steps up protection of North Sea infrastructure
The protection of infrastructure in the North Sea is being given greater prominence in Belgium's updated Marine Spatial Plan. North Sea minister Annelies Verlinden made the announcement on Tuesday at a stakeholder event in Ostend, where she held discussions with companies from the sector.
The new Marine Spatial Plan, which entered into force this year and runs until 2034, sets out which activities are permitted and where in the Belgian part of the North Sea. Zones are designated for offshore wind farms, shipping, nature reserves and energy infrastructure.
On Tuesday, Verlinden noted that the geopolitical context has shifted considerably in recent years, making maritime security a higher priority. "We saw this recently with the boarding of a Russian shadow vessel that entered our waters," she said.
"Beyond that, there is also the protection of critical infrastructure at sea. There are massive cables lying on the seabed. Households and businesses depend on the electricity generated by offshore wind farms, so we must ensure we protect that. We need to handle this more carefully than we have in the past."
To that end, Belgium is working with the Ministry of Defence, the coastguard and external companies able to carry out inspections, Verlinden said.
Making space work harder
The smart use of space in the North Sea was also on the agenda during Tuesday's event. Verlinden discussed the future of the North Sea with companies and research institutions. Among the sector's priorities is access to space for innovative projects. The minister said the limited available space is being used as efficiently as possible.
"We try to look at each area individually to see how different disciplines can work together there. A zone does not always have to be exclusive," she said. "For example, there may be room for innovation within offshore wind farm areas. Where biodiversity needs to be preserved or restored, we are naturally much more cautious about what is permitted."
The minister also provided an overview of how the new Marine Spatial Plan was developed. "I am very proud of the process. The local authorities, the province of West Flanders and the Flemish and federal governments have worked together, and everyone's input was taken into account to arrive at a plan that enjoys broad support."
© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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