Develop offshore wind projects and secure seabed leases
How to develop offshore wind projects in UK waters, from securing seabed rights through Crown Estate leasing rounds …
Energy & Utilities
Energy and utilities
Marine Licence
Activities in the marine environment (below Mean High Water Springs) require a Marine Licence from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) in England.
UK-wide
Guide summary
You need a marine licence for construction, dredging, or depositing materials in the sea. Apply to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) for non-DCO projects. Allow 3-12 months for approval.
- Check if your project falls under Development Consent Order (DCO) deemed consent
- Apply to MMO for non-DCO activities via Marine Case Management System
- Provide Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) information
- Pay application fee based on activity type and scale
- Allow 3-12 months for determination depending on complexity
- DCO projects typically include marine licence within their consent
- Separate application needed for non-DCO marine activities
On this page
UK-wide
Related guides in Marine Licensing
Development Consent Order (DCO)
Offshore wind farms exceeding 100MW and other Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) require a Development Consent Order from …
Crown Estate Seabed Lease
All offshore wind developments in English and Welsh waters require a seabed lease from The Crown Estate.
Offshore Wind Development Consent Orders (DCO)
Offshore wind projects over 100MW in English territorial waters require a Development Consent Order from the Secretary of …
Crown Estate Offshore Wind Seabed Leasing
Securing seabed rights is the critical first step for offshore wind projects in UK waters. The Crown Estate …
When you need a marine licence
A marine licence is required for:
- Construction, alteration or improvement of works in the sea
- Deposit of substances or articles (including cables)
- Removal of substances or articles from the seabed
- Dredging and disposal of dredged material
Offshore wind applications
For DCO projects, the marine licence is typically deemed within the Development Consent Order. Separate applications may be needed for non-DCO activities.
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1
Check DCO deemed consent
Determine if marine activities fall within DCO deemed consent
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2
Apply to MMO
For non-DCO activities, apply to MMO via Marine Case Management System
-
3
Provide EIA information
Provide Environmental Impact Assessment information
-
4
Pay application fee
Pay application fee based on activity type and scale
-
5
Allow determination time
Allow 3-12 months for determination depending on complexity