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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Check DCO deemed consent
Determine if marine activities fall within DCO deemed consent
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Apply to MMO
For non-DCO activities, apply to MMO via Marine Case Management System
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Provide EIA information
Provide Environmental Impact Assessment information
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Pay application fee
Pay application fee based on activity type and scale
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Allow determination time
Allow 3-12 months for determination depending on complexity
Legal basis
Primary legislation and key regulations
Official guidance
Natural Resources Wales / Activities that may be exempt from requiring a marine licence (opens in a new tab)
NRW
Natural Resources Wales / Activities that need a marine licence (opens in a new tab)
NRW
Natural Resources Wales / What to include in your marine development scoping report for EIA (opens in a new tab)
NRW
Natural Resources Wales / Legislation, policy and other information relevant to marine Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (opens in a new tab)
NRW
Managing the Marine Historic Environment | Historic England (opens in a new tab)
Historic England