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