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Marine Licence

Activities in the marine environment (below Mean High Water Springs) require a Marine Licence from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) in England.

Guide summary

You must get a marine licence from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) for activities like construction, dredging, or depositing materials below Mean High Water Springs. If your project has a Development Consent Order (DCO), the licence is usually included. For other activities, apply to MMO, provide Environmental Impact Assessment information, pay a fee (varies by activity), and allow 3 to 12 months for a decision.

  • Check if your DCO already covers marine activities
  • Apply to MMO for non-DCO activities using their online system
  • Provide Environmental Impact Assessment information
  • Pay application fee – amount depends on activity type and scale
  • Allow 3 to 12 months for determination
  • Get a licence for construction, dredging or deposit below Mean High Water Springs
  • Use Marine Case Management System to apply
  • Separate application needed for non-DCO marine activities
On this page

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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.

  1. 1

    Check DCO deemed consent

    Determine if marine activities fall within DCO deemed consent

  2. 2

    Apply to MMO

    For non-DCO activities, apply to MMO via Marine Case Management System

  3. 3

    Provide EIA information

    Provide Environmental Impact Assessment information

  4. 4

    Pay application fee

    Pay application fee based on activity type and scale

  5. 5

    Allow determination time

    Allow 3-12 months for determination depending on complexity

Apply for a marine licence (opens in a new tab)