RYA Scotland representation update: Moray FLOW-Park proposals

RYA Scotland is aware of concerns within the sailing and boating community regarding the proposed Moray FLOW-Park from developer Offshore Solutions Group (OSG). As such, RYA Scotland has been proactively engaging with OSG in a representation capacity, to put forward concerns and questions from the recreational boating community as plans develop.

The proposed development in the Moray Firth is designed to act as the world’s first floating offshore wind storage and anchorage facility. It would temporarily store large, floating wind turbine foundation bases (approximately 100m x 100m) to support offshore wind logistical and assembly needs.

In February, representatives of RYA Scotland met online with OSG, to put forward several questions and concerns. Following which, RYA Scotland requested a statement in response to points raised. The following sections summarise the key points raised, along with OSG’s responses.

While much of this information already exists within the public domain, RYA Scotland’s request for a statement from OSG aimed to consolidate information in a way that is directly reflective of local concerns, specific to the boating community.

1. Impact on local boating space & alternative site options

Given the already limited usable area of three nautical miles for clubs, training centres, and some commercial operators within the area, any further reduction poses a significant concern for viability and delivery of activity. RYA Scotland asks if OSG is aware of this constraint, and whether this will be considered in evolving plans?

Additionally, what detail is OSG happy to share regarding the status of investigations regarding the potential Nairn (South area) site?

OSG said:

“The Moray FLOW-Park is planned as a phased development with the final location selection and area spatial requirement subject to technical evaluation, environmental consideration, active consultation and market demand. The site investigation area is not the final development area. This first-of-its-kind, complex project is in its early stages and is refined as it progresses.

The outcome of the marine traffic movements assessment will impact the layout and access arrangements. The existing and ongoing work has already shaped arrangements with the areas closest to Findhorn and with the heaviest recreational use to the west of the FLOW-Park development area having been excluded from the initial development plans and categorised of high local value.

This means that all ongoing activities are now focused on the North Area to determine what proportion of the investigation area is to be developed and how best to accommodate the needs and requests of key stakeholders, including the recreational boating community. This ‘micro-siting’ activity will heavily influence the final layout and configuration.”

2. Navigational safety & potential exclusion zones 

Is it likely an exclusion or ‘no go’ area would be implemented around the FLOW-Park, and how would traffic patterns be considered in planning?

OSG said:

“There are no plans for a permanent exclusion or no-go zone around the FLOW-Park, maintaining the principle of open access to all seafarers. Temporary and very limited safety restrictions may be put in place around operating vessels and/or during the movement of assets. The extend or need for these will only be in accordance with any maritime legislative safety guidance.

A full assessment of marine traffic movements (commercial, military and recreational) covering the entire Moray Firth area by external specialists is included within the ongoing Environmental Impact Assessment. Movement assessments to date have focused on micro-siting the development plans to minimise any impact on existing commercial and recreational. This has included looking at both recent activity and longer-term trends.”

3. Seasonality of operations & project timeline

The boating community is seeking clarity around when assets would be stored within the site, particularly during the summer peak season.

OSG said:

“The FLOW-Park is designed for temporary, seasonal storage of offshore wind asset base units. The movement of those assets is guided entirely by weather and metocean conditions both locally and at the final deployment areas. When conditions allow, assets are towed directly to the final location. The FLOW-Park is a ‘buffer storage’ facility for use when conditions prevent the movements of assets to their final location. Historically, weather and metocean conditions restrict movements (partially or entirely) during the period October to early May and this is the primary period of storage within the FLOW-Park. Changing environmental conditions mean that the restricted movement period could be long as September to June or as short as November to March. Even during the winter months there may be windows of suitable conditions to allow some limited movements to the final locations.

For a ‘normal’ weather and metocean year the FLOW-Park operational plan expects a slow build up of storage from late September onwards with an expected peak in storage around March and then a decline in numbers to late April with no storage planned through the summer months.”

4. Environmental sensitivities & evolving marine landscape

With concerns around silting, seabed impacts, and possible changes to wave displacement linked to the proposed FLOW-Park, what investigation has OSG undertaken regarding these matters?

OSG said:

“Our environmental specialists have made us aware of the concern around existing pressures linked to silting, and the potential heightening of these matters which could be brought about by the FLOW-Park. As such the assessment of this potential issue has been included within the scope of the wide-ranging Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be undertaken prior to any application or activity.

There is no current evidence to suggest that the limited seasonal activities of the FLOW-Park will have any detrimental impact on sand displacement. The planned use of low-impact anchoring solutions is a further commitment to ensuring any potential impact is minimised. Technical discussions with experts in this specialist area have suggested any potential impact is as likely to be positive as detrimental. It is a highly complex area that we will continue to assess.”

5. Consultation & engagement with the community

RYA Scotland emphasise the importance of broad and meaningful consultation with the recreational boating community. Can OSG share a timeline for further consultation activity, and whether this will this be community based, sector based, or both?

OSG said:

“We understand and respect the desire for more information and are committed to providing as much information to all stakeholders as soon as is practicable. This includes a programme of open events to be held during 2026, giving the public and all other stakeholders the opportunity to view plans and activities, and provide input and views.”

In addition to the points raised above, RYA Scotland will continue dialogue with OSG to ensure community concerns are voiced throughout developments and future consultations. RYA Scotland has also ensured that the FLOW Park development is discussed within the Cross Party Group for Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism.

As proposals evolve, RYA Scotland will maintain engagement with the community to gather feedback and represent the interest of the sector.

If you would like to provide input or share your concerns at any point, please get in touch with us via communications@ryascotland.org.uk.